A 15-month-old child is scheduled for MMR vaccine. Parents report the child had a mild febrile illness with runny nose 3 days ago, which has now resolved. The child has a known egg allergy causing hives but no anaphylaxis. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate course of action?

• A Defer MMR for 4 weeks due to recent viral illness
• B Give MMR only under intensive care setting due to egg allergy
• C Substitute with monovalent measles vaccine as it is egg-free
• D Proceed with MMR vaccination as minor illness and egg allergy (non-anaphylactic) are not contraindications ✓

Explanation

Minor illnesses (mild URTI, low-grade fever) are not contraindications to vaccination; the child should be vaccinated. Egg allergy, even causing urticaria/hives, is NOT a contraindication to MMR vaccination. MMR is grown on chick embryo fibroblasts, not egg white; the minimal residual egg protein content rarely causes reactions even in egg-allergic individuals. Only a history of anaphylaxis to egg (or to a prior dose of MMR) is a precaution requiring administration in a monitored setting. Deferral for minor illness delays protection unnecessarily.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.