This week I realised that we are fast approaching the 1 year land mark birthday. Where did that year go? He has completely uncurled. The baby stage is gone. He is shuffling on his bottom from room to room, exploring the world. Fighting for his toys, demanding his sibling toys and full of cuddles and kisses.

But in the background he lives with allergies, where his body doesnt like dairy, egg, soya, tree nuts and some fruits. The MMR vaccine concerns me as evidence in literature shows there is a trace of egg protein. Some reseach states the vaccine is cultured in egg but the egg trace is so low it is safe in the use of children with egg allergies.

Professor John Warner, Chair of the BSACI Paediatric Allergy Group and Professor of Paediatrics at St. Marys Hospital, London said "Egg-allergic children who have not had problems with other vaccinations can safely be given the MMR in primary care. Specialist asssessment is only required if any previous vaccinations have resulted in severe allergic reation (including any breathing problems or collapse)" http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/royal-college-of-physicians/article/rcp-new-recommendations-for-mmr-vaccine-in-egg-allergic-chil
In addition the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology guideines for the management of egg allergy agrees that all children with egg allergies should receive the MMR. They explain that large number of studies of egg-allergic children show there is no increased risk of severe allergic reactions to the vaccines. Children who have documented anaphylaxis to the vaccine itsself should be assessed by an allergist. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03557.x/pdf

So I understand why my allergist is not concerned about Thomas recieving the MMR in primary care.

On http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Measles-Mumps-and-Rubella-%28MMR%29-Immunisation.htm it advices that if a child is allergic to egg. Immunisation under supervision by a paediatrician is advisable.

So what if he does react? What then? These are factors I have to consider in my decision making process
1. The closest A&E is 1 hour in ambulance
2. Majority of ambulance technicians are not paramedics.
3. Primary Care is not set up for such emergencies.
4. Very importantly the GP is not happy to administer the MMR to Thomas.
5. Experienced mothers to egg allergic children say that even though their children did not react to the MMR they would have certainly considered paederiatic supervision if they were aware that there is a trace of egg in the MMR.
6. A medical colleague suggested single dose of the MMR.

Even though the research is clear that the MMR is safe to administer to egg allergic children. I have to consider the huge flashing factor here is my GP is not happy to administer the MMR to Thomas. My instinct tells me to take all precautions and go with the safe, security of the hospital environment.

On the introduction of this blog I write "Questioning is the door to knowledge". You are your child's advocate. You need to develop your knowledge make informed discussions. I am writing this piece to show you;
How I reached MY decision.
How I problem solve.

This decision is not right for each individual child. You as the parent need to write down the pros and cons and come to your own decision. You need to research! Ask for support and advice! Question!


So I have asked my GP to organise that Thomas has his MMR in a hospital environment under the supervision of the paediatrics.

I will keep you posted but need to organise a dairy, soya and egg free birthday party first!

This is not medical advice!

Monday 20 February 2012

Dairy,Soya and Egg Free Pancakes

This are super fluffy delicious pancakes for finger food and one the whole family can enjoy. You can add blueberries and/or diced banana into the cold mixture.

Ingredients
150g of white flour
3 tablespoons of caster sugar
1 pinch of salt
2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
45mls of melted margarine*
210 mls of water/ rice milk*

1. Sift flour, baking powder, sugar and salt together in a meduim mixing bowl.
2. Melted the margarine and add to the water/rice milk and mix well.
3. Stir the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Until moistened dont worry if there are some lumps. However, if you are like me and tied for time put everything into the blender and blitz! You can add blue berries and banana after blitzing.
4. Cook the pancakes until they are bubbly on the top and the bottom is golden brown approx 4 mins.
5. Flip over you pancakes cook the other side.


For over 1 year you can serve with honey/maple syrup. or slice as great finger for food.

Notes *
Rice Milk is dairy and lactose free, gluten free, low in saturated fats. It is made from water and rice. It does not contain as much calcium and protein as normal cows milk but most commerical rice milk are foritified with calcium,, vitamins thiamine, B6 and B12.

Margarine- This is a tricky find in Ireland however, there are dairy free, soya free maragines on the market in large shopping stores. I rubbed the maragine on Thomas leg first to test for allergy and then used with potato or dairy free homemade bread. I will not recommend a brand as I think this is individual to the child. But you can email me for ideas.

1 comment:

  1. Instead of margarine you could use olive oil... 4 tablespoons

    ReplyDelete