Learn about our national framework in support of our National Food Allergy Action Plan. Plus, read the latest research on early introduction and food allergy, and check out our mythbuster on egg allergy and flu vaccines.
Advocacy in action: Calling for a national framework on food allergy prevention, management, and care
Last month we were in Ottawa, meeting with Senators and other key stakeholders to advance our work on the development of a national framework in support of our National Food Allergy Action Plan.
Our objective is to establish a framework that will guide future efforts to lessen the impact of food allergy and enhance the quality of life for Canadians affected by this condition. Food Allergy Canada and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) are calling on the federal government to take action on:
- Building public awareness and support of food allergy and anaphylaxis to ensure safer, more inclusive environments for those at risk.
- Ensuring reliable access to essential medications to prevent drug shortages and provide access to medications.
- Prioritizing preventative measures into national public health initiatives.
- Improving accessibility to care with timely diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.
Stay tuned as these important discussions progress and we continue to advocate for federal leadership to advance food allergy prevention, management, and care for all those impacted in our community.
Research: Study shows rates of food allergy are declining due to early introduction
A decade ago, a landmark study changed the way we think about feeding babies. It showed that introducing peanut early in infancy could help prevent peanut allergy — a finding that shaped new infant feeding recommendations around the world.
Now, a new study has found that food allergy rates have declined since families began following early introduction practices. As one of the study authors shared, “This study provided the first strong, real-world evidence that early food introduction guidelines are working.”
In Canada, current guidance recommends feeding babies common food allergens around 6 months of age, once they’re developmentally ready. For babies at higher risk of food allergy, introduction can begin sooner (but not before 4 months).
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Mythbuster: If you have an egg allergy, is it safe to get a flu shot?
FACT: Yes, it is safe to get a flu shot if you have an egg allergy.
In the past, you may have been told not to get one because influenza vaccines (“flu shots”) contain a small amount of egg protein. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has advised that individuals with egg allergy may be vaccinated against influenza using any age-appropriate product (injectable or nasal spray vaccine), without a prior influenza vaccine skin test and with the full dose.
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Learn about egg allergy, including possible sources of eggs, how to avoid eggs, and what you can do to be allergy-aware.
Help us educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters.
Tags: early introduction, egg allergy, flu shot, National Food Allergy Action Plan