Immunisation against bee and wasp stings

Abstract

Of people who have had a generalised allergic reaction to a bee sting about one-third react positively to a subsequent skin test.1 On being stung again, 40% of these have no systemic reaction, but 13% have a worse reaction.2 Anaphylactic reactions to bee or wasp stings can be fatal, but this is rare (about 15 deaths a year in the USA).3