<s>[INST] I recently contracted influenza and am still recovering from it. Thank God for Tamiflu . Also had the stomach virus (throw up, head spins). I cannot have a flu shot because of a serious allergy to the preservative used in most shots. Is there a way I can get this without a shot? If so, would it be of help for me to get it now? [/INST] Hello, The serious allergy to preservative in most shots is not clear, and you may be referring to the egg protein if you have egg allergy. The influenza vaccine should be taken in the autumn before winter sets in for it to be effective. People with egg allergy can have the influenza vaccine provided the lowest cut off limit of egg protein in the vaccine is used. As there are many manufacturers, the egg protein in the vaccines vary and now the companies have to quantify the amount of egg protein for egg allergy patients. A 2-step approach is used (if the egg allergy is severe or anaphylaxis, and you definitely need the flu shots because of asthma, COPD etc.).10% of the vaccine is given s/c, then the patient is observed for 30 minutes, and if fine, the rest of the 90% of the vaccine is administered. I hope this was useful. Best Wishes. </s>