Additional Information
Flu vaccines - vegans and vegetarians
All injectable flu vaccines for the 18/19 UK flu season are incubated in eggs and contain very small amounts of egg protein (ovalbumin) and therefore not suitable for vegans or vegetarians who don't eat eggs.
Flu vaccines - egg allergy
Studies have shown that inactivated vaccines with very low ovalbumin content (<0.12 μg/ml - equivalent to <0.06 μg for a 0.5 ml dose) may be used safely in individuals with an egg allergy1. Details of the ovalbumin content of the 18/19 flu vaccines have now been published. www.gov.uk/government/publications/influenza-vaccine-ovalbumin-content
Due to the level of ovalbumin in Fluad, this is not suitable for patients with an egg allergy - refer to the NHS PGD for more guidance.
Fluenz Nasal Spray contains gelatine - suitability for religious groups
The Jewish community have advised that ‘according to Jewish laws, there is no problem with porcine or other animal derived ingredients in non-oral products. This includes vaccines, including those administered via the nose, injections, suppositories, creams and ointments’2.
Some groups within the British Muslim Community may consider products containing gelatin to be forbidden. In this circumstance, the individual would be unable to accept the pharmaceutical product unless there was no suitable alternative and/or the product was considered life-saving’2.
1 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/663694/Greenbook_chapter_19_Influenza_.pdf 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/influenza-vaccine-and-porcine-gelatine-guidance-for-health-professionals
Links to Additional Information
Green Book online
CPPE
Health Education England
WHO