influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated) (Sanofi)

Inactivated, split-virion influenza virus (marketed under the brand name Fluzone) is a seasonal influenza vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur. It is produced by propagating influenza Type A and B viruses in embryonated chicken eggs, followed by harvesting, inactivation with formaldehyde, and chemical disruption ('splitting') using the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100. The vaccine contains hemagglutinin (HA) antigens from specific seasonal strains selected annually by the WHO and FDA. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the host immune system to produce neutralizing antibodies against the viral hemagglutinin, thereby providing protection against infection and severe disease caused by the targeted influenza strains. The vaccine is available in trivalent and quadrivalent formulations, tailored to the Northern and Southern Hemisphere influenza seasons.

Brand names

FluzoneFluzone TrivalentFluzone Quadrivalent

Other names

inactivated, split-virion influenza virussplit-virion influenza vaccineinactivated split-virion influenza vaccine