Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines
Live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) viruses contained in
trivalent and measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) in
quadrivalent vaccines, are cultured in hen’s embryonic fibroblasts and
might contain residual traces of ovalbumin. In the past, egg allergy has
been suspected as a cause of hypersensitivity reactions to these
vaccines but, currently, MMR and MMRV are considered safe for
egg-allergic patients and they can be administered in standard
settings1.
Some brands of MMR, MMRV and varicella vaccines may contain residual
porcine or bovine gelatine as a stabilizer, which has been identified
the responsible component in rare cases of anaphylaxis but also
non-immediate systemic reactions such as skin symptoms are
reported30. Consequently, in case of allergy to animal
gelatine or to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) contained in
mammalian meat, a gelatine-free vaccine is the first choice. When the
latter is not available, in case of positive skin testing results,
vaccines should be administered in fractionated doses (see above).