The following undated information from the Health Canada website describes some of the contents of licensed influenza vaccines in Canada.
Three influenza vaccines are licensed for use in Canada, two produced by Aventis Pasteur (Fluzone® and Vaxigrip®) and one by *ID Biomedical (Fluviral S/F®). All three are sterile suspensions prepared from influenza viruses propagated in chicken embryos. The virus is inactivated, purified and treated with an organic solvent to remove surface glycoproteins, producing a "split-virus" preparation that is intended to reduce vaccine reactogenicity. One dose (0.5 mL) of vaccine contains 15 µg of hemaglutinin of each of three antigens. The antigens are selected from two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B. The virus strains chosen for inclusion in influenza vaccine are reviewed annually to ensure that they include antigens that are expected to provide the best protection during the following winter. All three licensed vaccines use thimerosal (0.01%) as a preservative. Gelatin (0.05%) is used as a stabilizer in Fluzone®. Vaxigrip® may contain undetectable traces of neomycin, used during production.
Ingredients list from Influenza Vaccine Product Monographs
VAXIGRIP (r)
Influenza Virus Vaccine Trivalent Types A and B (Split Virion) 2002-2003 Formula - For 6 Months and Older For Active Immunization Against Influenza
DESCRIPTION
VAXIGRIP (r) [Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Types A and B (Split Virion)], for intramuscular use, is a sterile suspension prepared from influenza viruses propagated in chicken embryos. The virus-containing fluids are harvested and the virus inactivated with formaldehyde and purified by zonal centrifugation. The virus is then chemically disrupted using Polyethylene Glycol p-isooctylphenyl Ether (Triton (r) X-100) producing a "split-antigen". The split antigen is suspended in sodium phosphate-buffered, isotonic sodium chloride solution. The type and amount of viral antigens contained in VAXIGRIP (r) conform to the current requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO).1
For the 2002-2003 season, each dose (0.5 mL) contains the following:
- A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) (A/Moscow/10/99-like strain) 15 µg HA
- A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) 15 µg HA
- B/Shangdong/7/97 (B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain) 15 µg HA Thimerosal 2 µg Sodium Phosphate-Buffered, Isotonic Sodium Chloride Solution up to 0.5 mL
- Formaldehyde Ł30 µg
- VAXIGRIP (r) also contains Triton (r) X-100 and trace amounts of sucrose and neomycin.
http://www.sanofipasteur.ca/sanofi-pasteur-ca/front/templates/index.jsp?codeRubrique=53&lang=EN **English
http://www.sanofipasteur.ca/sanofi-pasteur-ca/front/templates/vaccinations
-travel-health-vaccine-aventis-pasteur.jsp?&lang=EN&codeRubrique=53&codePage=List **French
Fluzone®, Influenza Virus Vaccine
(Zonal Purified, Subvirion) for intramuscular use, is a sterile suspension prepared from influenza viruses propagated in chicken embryos. The virus-containing fluids are harvested and inactivated with formaldehyde. Influenza virus is concentrated and purified in a linear sucrose density gradient solution using a continuous flow centrifuge. The virus is then chemically disrupted using Polyethylene Glycol p-Isooctylphenyl Ether (Triton® X-100 – A registered trademark of Rohm and Haas, Co.) producing a"split-antigen." The split-antigen is then further purified by chemical means and suspended in sodium phosphate-buffered isotonic sodium chloride solution. Fluzone has been standardized according to USPHS requirements for the 2002-2003 influenza season and is formulated to contain 45 micrograms (µg) hemaglutinin (HA) per 0.5 mL dose, in the recommended ratio of 15 µg HA each, representative of the following three prototype strains:
- A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)
- A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) (an A/Moscow/10/99-like strain)
- B/Hong Kong/1434/2002 (a B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like strain).1
Gelatin 0.05% is added as a stabilizer. Fluzone is supplied in two unit dose preservative-free presentations distinguished by a pink syringe plunger rod: a 0.25 mL prefilled syringe (for pediatric use) and a 0.5 mL prefilled syringe; both are formulated without preservatives but contain a trace amount of thimerosal [(contains 49.6% mercury), (= 0.5 µg Hg/0.25 mL dose) (= 1.0 µg Hg/0.5 mL dose)] from the manufacturing process. Fluzone is also supplied in two other presentations: a 0.5 mL prefilled syringe and 5 mL vial of vaccine, of which both contain the preservative thimerosal [(mercury containing compound), 25 µg mercury/0.5 mL dose]. Fluzone, after shaking syringe/vial well, is essentially clear and slightly opalescent in color.
ANTIBIOTICS ARE NOT USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF FLUZONE.
Influenza Virus Vaccine Fluzone®
Influenza Vaccine Information - US
Concerns:
The following caution about Triton X100 is from Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, D.O.
"I'm writing an article for our office news letter on WHY not to get a flu shot. Looking at the additives in the new shots, ran across this chemical, glycol p-isooctylphenyl ether.
When I looked it up found this to be Triton X100 (on the www.Calbiochem.com site). there are 4 versions of Triton X100 (basically a detergent and emulsifier). Look at the last line---same on EVERY form of the chemical."
TRITON® X-100, Molecular Biology Grade
Cat. No. 648466 50 ml
Synonyms: Polyethylene Glycol-p-isooctylphenyl Ether;
Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol
Description: Non-ionic detergent and emulsifier. Has an optimal pH of 6.0-8.0.
Form: Clear liquid. Packaged under an inert gas.
CAS Number: 9002-93-1
RTECS: MD0907700
Molecular Weight: 650.0
Purity: e97% by HPLC
Contaminants: DNase, RNase, and proteases: none detected
Solubility: H2O
Storage: Refrigerate (+4°C). This product is stable for 3 years as supplied.
Toxicity: MSDS available upon request.
Merck Index: 13: 6793
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR HUMAN OR DRUG USE
*Note: I.D.Biomedical, a Vancouver-based company, picked up Fluviral when it acquired the money-losing vaccine business of Shire Pharmaceuticals Plc in 2004
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