When it comes to their kids, most parents have a very protective streak in them. Particularly when it comes to vaccinations for their children. That's because many vaccines are made using chicken eggs. And many people are allergic to or have a reaction to vaccines made with eggs. A reaction can produce redness around the vaccinated area or a rash.

However, in those instances where the child is really allergic to eggs, a vaccine could conceivably cause a life threatening state of affairs. An allergic response occurs very quickly and usually in the form of the person immediately experiencing shortness of breath and swelling of the face.

Today, there are quite a few anti-vaccination groups that are just about entirely against the idea of vaccinations. Other groups, believe in vaccinations, but don't believe in giving the child a series of vaccinations at the same time. On the opposing side, other parents want their child vaccinated for every possible disease.

However you feel about vaccines and vaccinations, the fact that it has egg in it should probably be among the least of your worries. The incidences of true egg allergies reaction in response to vaccines is very low. But, if your child does have an egg allergy, make sure to inform the doctor and he will know what steps to take.

You or your child may have an egg allergy and not even know it. To determine for sure, you can be tested by an allergy specialist. The test typically involves you suffering through a series of pin sized pricks to the skin which will test the skin's various reactions to different substances. The test is normally done on the the person's back or forearm. A positive test for an allergy is usually manifested by the area around the skin prick turning red or expanding.

It is important to screen out false positives. That is why you will most likely be told to stay away from all products containing egg for the two or three days prior to the test. If the skin prick test indicates an allergy, the allergist may send a blood sample to a lab where it can be checked for IgE antibodies.

Epinephrine is an adrenaline drug. It is the preferred drug to use when a patient is suffering extreme allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock. If opens the airways and makes breathing easier. It is also produced naturally by the body in high stress situation where the person may be in "fight or flight" mode.

Luckily, you can find the drug Epinephrine in convenient and simple to use containers. A doctor will sometimes be proactive if you have a very serious case of egg allergy. In such cases he may request that you always carry a vial of epinephrine with you in case you ever suffer an attack. If you ever experience difficult breathing following an egg attack, this drug may possibly save your life.