Influvac, a trivalent inactivated subunit influenza vaccine.
BACKGROUND
Influenza represents a major sanitary and socio-economic burden and vaccination is universally considered the most effective strategy for preventing the disease and its complications. Traditional influenza vaccines have been on the market since the late 1940s, with million of doses administered annually worldwide, and demonstrated a substantial efficacy and safety.


METHODS
The trivalent inactivated subunit vaccine has been available for more than 25 years and has been studied in healthy children, adults and the elderly and in people affected by underlying chronic medical conditions. We describe vaccine technology focusing on subunit vaccine production procedures and mode of action and provide updated information on efficacy and safety available data.


RESULTS
A review of efficacy and safety data in healthy subjects and in high risk populations from major sponsor- and investigator-driven studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The vaccine showed a good immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile in all target groups. In the panorama of actually available influenza vaccines, trivalent inactivated subunit vaccine represents a well-established tool for preventing flu and the associated complications.
Università degli Studi di Milano, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Milan, Italy. gianvincenzo.zuccotti@unimi.it
Gian Vincenzo
GV
Zuccotti
Valentina
V
Fabiano
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012621:Seasons
D007252:Influenza Vaccines