People with a latex allergy are advised to avoid the vaccine Fluad.
DO YOU have a latex allergy? If so, be careful when getting this year's flu shot.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is advising all patients and health professionals that natural rubber latex is present in the sheath covering the needle of trivalent influenza vaccine Fluad.
Fluad is one of the vaccines available for people aged 65 years and over through the National Immunisation Program.
While reactions to latex are rare, anyone who has a severe allergy to latex should not receive Fluad.
Patients 65 and over can still be safely vaccinated with an alternative trivalent influenza vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose through the NIP.
The TGA advised were no safety concerns regarding the vaccine itself.
Anyone with concerns should speak to their local GP.
