MMR Vaccine for Children with an Egg Protein Allergy

In a previous post I mentioned that my son has several anaphylactic allergies, including egg protein. He turned one on October 28th and was due for his MMR vaccination. He was sick at the time so the appointment for his vaccination was postponed until he was over his cold. In the meantime, we had his allergy testing and discovered his allergy to egg white protein. Our family Doctor now does not want to give Liam his MMR vaccination as the vaccine is grown in egg white and she is afraid of an allergic reaction.

However, after researching this topic I found that the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (www.aaaai.org) feels this vaccine is quite safe for those with egg protein allergies:

“In regard to the MMR, the RED BOOK is an excellent resource for Pediatricians and Family Practice physicians in regard to vaccines that are or are not an issue for children with food allergies. Specifically in regard to egg and MMR, the book indicates, based upon original research articles, that the MMR does not contain significant egg protein and is therefore not a particular risk for persons with egg allergy (there are other vaccines with appreciable egg protein). Children with egg allergy had about the same risk of an immediate allergic reaction to the vaccine as persons without an egg allergy (e.g., anyone could have a reaction to a vaccine, those with egg allergy were not at extra risk).
-Dr. Scott Sicherer of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

I brought this information, and additional evidence that I found, to my family physician’s attention. Well, to the attention of her nurse at any rate. Unfortunately, she still feels uncomfortable giving the vaccination in her office.
This is a problem for me because it means I need to contact my allergist, who is difficult to get a hold of, and book an appointment to have the vaccination done there – its inconvenient.

I wonder if the only reason my family physician does not want to give the vaccination is that she is not prepared to handle a possible anaphylactic allergy – all Drs. offices should be prepared for that.

I think my biggest issue with all of this is that it is obvious my family physician is not up to date on current research, or even not so current research. So here is the question, do I give up a family doctor, which is increasingly hard to find these days, just for this reason? Or do I stay with a doctor who may not be providing me, and my family, with the right medical advice because she is not aware of current findings/changes/updates in medical research? Tough choice.