Influenza virus vaccine (IVV) (IVV)

Influenza vaccines are biological preparations designed to elicit a protective immune response against influenza A and B viruses. They primarily target the viral surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, which are essential for the virus to infect host cells and spread (CDC, 2023). By presenting these antigens to the immune system, the vaccines stimulate the production of B-cells and T-cells, leading to the generation of long-lasting neutralizing antibodies (WHO, 2024). These vaccines are available in several formulations, including inactivated (IIV), live-attenuated (LAIV), and recombinant (RIV) forms, to accommodate different patient populations (FDA, 2023). Because influenza viruses undergo continuous antigenic drift, the vaccine composition is reviewed and updated annually by global health authorities to ensure a close match with circulating strains (StatPearls, 2023). Vaccination is the primary strategy for reducing the burden of seasonal influenza, preventing complications such as pneumonia, and limiting community transmission.

Other names

Flu vaccineSeasonal influenza vaccineInactivated influenza vaccine (IIV)Live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV)Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV)Flu shot

Induction of active immunity through the production of neutralizing antibodies against viral hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins, preventing viral attachment and entry into host cells (StatPearls, 2023).