Why may you be asked whether you are allergic to eggs before receiving a vaccination?

• A. Vaccines contain egg DNA, which can cause genetic mutations in people with egg allergies.
• B. Some vaccines are produced using chicken eggs, and individuals with egg allergies may have an adverse reaction.
• C. Eggs are a common source of protein, and vaccines require high protein levels to be effective.
• D. Egg allergies can weaken the immune response to any vaccine.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Vaccines are biological preparations designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Some vaccines are produced using chicken eggs as part of the manufacturing process.
2. Learn the production process: Certain vaccines, such as influenza vaccines, are grown in fertilized chicken eggs. The virus is injected into the egg, allowed to replicate, and then harvested for vaccine production. This process may leave trace amounts of egg proteins in the final vaccine.
3. Recognize the relevance of egg allergies: Individuals with egg allergies may have an adverse reaction to vaccines containing residual egg proteins. These reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as skin rashes, to severe allergic responses like anaphylaxis.
4. Understand the precautionary measures: Before administering a vaccine, healthcare providers often ask about egg allergies to assess the risk of an allergic reaction. If a person has a known egg allergy, alternative vaccines or precautions may be recommended.
5. Clarify misconceptions: Vaccines do not contain egg DNA that causes genetic mutations, nor do they require high protein levels from eggs to be effective. The concern is specifically related to allergic reactions to residual egg proteins in certain vaccines.