Flu Shot Reaction?

[senneth]

CFNBC but have a history of anaphylaxis.

I absolutely think you should get a second opinion, and ideally with an allergist. I’d honestly be more worried about what if it isn’t connected to the flu shot.

I had major local reactions at first, then major local with systemic hives the next two or three exposures, and then anaphylaxis that started to close my airway the next exposure. Allergic reactions can progress.

I would want a medication protocol for what to give him if he has another reaction.

My allergist says my epipen is to buy me time. The first one should give me 10-15 minutes, and same with the second. Hopefully by then I’d have paramedics.

Allergy testing isn’t bad. I really wouldn’t worry about getting the testing done.

If you’re worried about vaccines in the future, it’s worth looking into locations that are either close to a hospital or are equipped to provide good treatment. My allergist was worried about one vaccine, so I got it at his office. When I got the COVID vaccine, I got it at a location that was right next to the hospital. Every doctors office should have the ability to treat an allergic reaction, but some have more than others. My PCP has meds to treat an allergic reaction (epipen, steroids, etc.). My allergist had those plus things like oxygen and inhalers.

[catspajamas2]

My youngest had an all over super swollen hives reaction to an antibiotic as a baby. This was the 3rd time she had this class of antibiotics and the doctor said it was surprising to see it the third time but they didn’t dismiss my panic or minimize the situation. They also recommended that we see an allergist at some point to test - more in the hopes she might not really be allergic and we would not have to exclude that important class of antibiotics for life but still. It isn’t like seeing an allergist (if you have access and can afford it, which i know not everyone can) is an impossible ask. I don’t know your doctor but they sound like the worst. I wouldn’t feel comfortable there.

[mathrun]

Absolutely go to the allergist. If you don’t actually want to have him tested a full panel of allergens, you might be able to have the allergist administer his flu shot next year. My son has a very weird egg allergy (only to fertilized eggs) and therefore can’t have certain flu vaccines.

To diagnose that out pediatrician and our allergist figured out a plan to have the allergist take some flu vaccine and prick the back of my son’s hand and watch him closely. If he hadn’t reacted they would have moved to administering the full vaccine. Anyway, allergists are awesome at testing things in a controlled environment. Also they will be able to tell you whether to get an epi pen and when to carry it.