What is the vaccine made of?
The flu vaccine consists of fragments of influenza viruses from four different flu virus strains. Because the flu viruses mutate, the vaccine is adapted every year in line with the WHO's recommendations.
The flu vaccines are quadrivalent. They contain components of type A H1N1 and H3N2 viruses and two type B influenza viruses. Seasonal flu vaccines are traditionally produced by growing flu viruses in eggs. The flu vaccines authorised in Switzerland do not contain mercury or aluminium compounds.
The inactivated vaccines also contain water, preservatives and stabilisers, as well as small traces of egg proteins and aminoglycoside antibiotics.
To make sure sufficient quantities of vaccine are available, if possible it is advisable to order from the manufacturers and/or wholesalers at the beginning of summer. The table (please refer to the German, French or Italian websites) provides an overview of the products available in Switzerland.
Flu vaccination test
Do you belong to a group with an increased risk of complications of influenza? Do the check.