Q&A: Allergy risk for flu shot?

Last year I developed a red, sore spot where my flut shot was injected. Does this mean I'm at rish of an allergic reaction and should skip the shot this year? --J.S., Hawthorne, Calif.

No. The mild discomfort you experienced around the injection site is a common side effect of the vaccine, and not indicative of an allergy. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare and are usually triggered by trace amounts of egg protein in the serum--the reason people with serious egg allergies may have to avoid the vaccine. If you want to bypass the discomfort this year, you might consider the inhaled vaccine (FluMist) if you're eligible. it's approved for people between the ages of 5 and 49 who have healthy immunity, aren't pregnant, and don't have a chronic disease. Otherwise, stick with the shot. Either vaccine will cut your risk of getting the flu. Any swelling or discomfort around the injection site should diminish within a few days.

For more information, read our flu overview and get ratings for flu treatments (available to subscribers) at ConsumerReportsMedicalGuide.org.

—Aaron Bailey