Ask the allergist is a regular feature in our newsletters where Canadian allergists answer your questions!
Dr. Julia Upton is on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children in the Immunology and Allergy Department; and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. She is the past Section Chair of the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Section of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Dr. Upton is also a member of our Healthcare Advisory Board.
Please note: Dr. Upton is answering as an individual allergist and her answers do not constitute an official position of her affiliated organizations. Her responses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute specific medical advice, recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your own health or the health of your child.
This month she answers a question about navigating food allergy and the back-to-school season.
For those with food allergy, what are your recommendations for a healthy and safe back-to-school season given the fourth wave of COVID-19 and vaccines for the under 12 population are not yet available?
This question is very important to all families with young children. COVID-19 vaccination of everyone who is eligible and following your local public health guidelines is recommended. People with food allergy can be vaccinated for COVID-19 and receive a vaccine at routine vaccination centres. Getting the annual flu shot can be beneficial too, and it can be safely taken by those with egg allergy. Hygiene measures of washing hands before and after eating and not sharing food/drinks are helpful both to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to food allergens.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and food allergy
Watch the “Get the facts” webinar
Watch the “Is any approved vaccine the best vaccine?” webinar
Watch the “What to know about vaccines for children and teens” webinar
Do you have a question you’d like to ask an allergist in the months to come? If so, send it along to us at info@foodallergycanada.ca. Please note: The allergists in this series answer questions on general topics, please talk to your doctor if you have questions about your own health or the health of your child.
Tags: Back-To-School, covid-19, COVID-19 and food allergy, covid-19 vaccine. ask the allergist