The belief that “I have an egg allergy, so I can’t get the flu shot” is now completely outdated information.
Conventional influenza vaccines were manufactured using chicken eggs. However, due to advances in purification technology and the introduction of the “Recombinant HA Vaccine (Supemtek®)” debuting in Japan in 2025, almost everyone with an allergy can now be safely vaccinated.
The completely egg-free recombinant vaccine is a long-awaited option, especially for those with severe egg allergies (history of anaphylaxis). Furthermore, people with gelatin or latex allergies can also avoid risk with the recombinant vaccine.
Influenza Vaccine “Allergy” Compatibility Chart (2025 Japan)
| Type of Allergy | Standard Vaccine (Egg-based) | Fluad (For Elderly) | Recombinant Vaccine (New in 2025) | Conclusion: Can I Get the Shot? |
| Mild Egg Allergy (Only causes rash) | ◎ Can be taken normally | ◎ Can be taken | ◎ Can be taken | 100% OK |
| Moderate Egg Allergy (Hives, vomiting) | ○ Consult a doctor, can be taken | ○ Can be taken | ◎ Maximally safe | Mostly OK |
| Severe Egg Allergy (History of anaphylaxis/shock) | × Generally NG | × NG (Uses eggs) | ◎ Completely Egg-Free | Only Recombinant is OK |
| Chicken Meat Allergy | ◎ Not related | ◎ Not related | ◎ Not related | Can be taken |
| Gelatin Allergy | △ Caution (Trace amounts in some vaccines) | △ Caution | ◎ No Gelatin | Recombinant is safest |
| Latex (Rubber) Allergy | △ Caution with rubber stopper at some hospitals | △ Caution | ◎ Often No Rubber | Recombinant Recommended |
2025 Exclusive Guide for People with Egg Allergies
| Your Condition | Available Vaccine | Actual Course of Action |
| No reaction when eating eggs | Any vaccine is OK | Go to a regular clinic. |
| Hives/vomiting from eggs | Standard vaccine also possible (30 min observation required) | Available at most hospitals. |
| Difficulty breathing/shock from eggs | Recombinant Vaccine ONLY | Book an appointment at a university hospital or large hospital. |
| Severe egg allergy in a child | Recombinant Vaccine is the only choice | Available at approx. 200 facilities nationwide in 2025. |
2025 “Vaccine 100% Safe for Egg Allergies” → Recombinant HA Vaccine (Brand Name: Supemtek®)
- Manufactured in insect cells, making it completely egg- and gelatin-free.
- 18 years and older only (as of 2025).
- Price: ¥9,000 – ¥13,000 (Private pay).
Summary
- 99.9% of people with an egg allergy have no problem with the standard vaccine.
- Only those with a history of anaphylaxis to eggs should seek the → Recombinant Vaccine (Requires booking at a large hospital).
- Other than that, the idea that “I can’t get the shot because of an egg allergy” is completely a thing of the past!
At-Home Testing Kit Ranking (Combined COVID-19 and Influenza)
Here is the English translation of the ranking table for at-home diagnostic kits that test for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B:
| Rank | Product Name (Manufacturer) | Targets Detected | Sensitivity (Detection Rate) (Estimate: 12-48h Post-Onset) | Result Time | Approximate Price (Per Test) | Suitability for Pregnant Women / Children | Key Features & Availability |
| 1 | Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B | COVID + Flu A/B | COVID: Approx. 90% | Flu: Approx. 85% | 15 mins | ¥1,980 – ¥2,480 | ◎ (Shallow Nasal Swab) |
| 2 | クイックナビ-Flu+COVID | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 88% | Flu: 80–85% | 15–20 mins | ¥1,780 – ¥2,200 | ◎ (Designed for children’s use) |
| 3 | KBMラインチェック nCoV/Flu | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 85% | Flu: Approx. 80% | 15 mins | ¥1,480 – ¥1,980 | ◎ |
| 4 | イージードック Flu＆COVID-19 | Same (COVID + Flu A/B) | COVID: 87% | Flu: 82% | 15 mins | ¥2,200 – ¥2,600 | ◎ (Many cases of use by pregnant women) |
