Health Alert: Latex allergy? Caution, this year's flu shot

[Miss Mary]

FYI, a local pharmacist told me they're asking each person requesting a flu shot if they have a latex allergy. Latex has been added to this year's flu shot. This additive is something new this year and they're checking for this allergy carefully.

Just wanted to pass along the info.....

[Cyclenall]

They seem to be adding something new to the flu shot each time...

[Coredesat]

Clinical staff are supposed to ask that prior to providing any medical care to anyone they have not previously treated. It's not something they added to the vaccine, it's the gloves they wear. I've been asked this question every time I've gone to get a shot or visit a doctor other than my primary doctor for as long as I can remember.

[Miss Mary]

Coredesat - I just assumed it was b/c they wear latex gloves while giving the shot too. But I was specifically told there is latex, in the actual shot. A Pharmacist told me this, just two days ago. I did believe her, but it's possible she has her info wrong too. She did say they are making sure each patient knows there's a new risk this season, the 2007/08 Flu Season.

[Cookiely]

I googled and found the info below. Most of the latex problems comes with it being packaged and shipped but also the rubber vial tops and syringes. Better safe than sorry.

Do you (or your child) have allergies (e.g., medications, food, bee stings, food, natural latex or rubber)? In addition to components know to cause sensitivities/allergic reactions; all vaccines contain a number of non-medicinal components that are commonly found in products used every day. Listing all components in the fact sheet, including those that are not known to cause sensitivities/anaphylaxis, results in unnecessary client confusion and missed opportunities for immunization. However, if a person has any allergy concerns, review the 'components' section of the product monograph. In particular, for those clients who indicate that they have severe allergies and who are unable to give a clear history or are unable to be specific, do not give the flu shot. Explain the risk and refer them to their family physician. Latex Allergies - If a person reports asevere allergy to natural rubber or latex, do not administer vaccine supplied in vials or syringes that contain natural rubber or latex. For less severe allergies (e.g. history of contact allergy), clients can safely receive injections with syringes and vials that contain natural latex or natural rubber. Many companies have removed natural rubber or latex from their vial stoppers or prefilled syringes because of allergy concerns. Check the product monograph to determine if the vaccine you are using contains natural latex or natural rubber in stoppers or pre-filled syringes. Find out whether or not syringes used for doses from multi-dose vials contain natural rubber/latex. See Section II for information about sulfite allergy as a contraindication to receiving the flu shot.