The objective of this study is to assess the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of a Split Virus, Vero Cell derived, Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (VCIV) in comparison to a Licensed Egg Derived, Split Virus, Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (EIV) in healthy subjects 18 years of age and older.

Approximately 1000 subjects will be randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to receive a single injection of VCIV or EIV. Subjects will be monitored for 180 days following vaccination for occurrence of adverse reactions and for antibody response to the vaccine.

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and female subjects who

• Are 18 to 49 years of age (inclusive) on the day of screening (Stratum A)

• Are 50 years of age or older on the day of screening (Stratum B)

• Have an understanding of the study, agree to its provisions, and give written informed consent prior to study entry

• Are clinically healthy (in a physical condition such that the physician would have no reservations administering influenza vaccine outside the scope of a clinical study)

• Are physically and mentally capable of participating in the study

• Agree to keep a daily record of symptoms

• If female and capable of bearing children, have a negative urine pregnancy test result within 24 hours of the vaccination on Study Day 0 and agree to employ adequate birth control measures. For the purposes of this study adequate birth control measures incorporate 2 types of the following FDA approved birth control measures through 60 days after vaccination:

  • Hormonal types of birth control (such as implants, birth control pills, patches or other methods) or an intrauterine device, AND
  • An additional barrier type of birth control measure (i.e., condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects who

• Have previously been vaccinated against influenza with vaccine formulated for the 2006/2007 influenza season
• Have an oral temperature >=37.5°C at the time of vaccination on Day 0 (see note below)
• Have Type I diabetes
• Have a Body Mass Index >35
• Have hypertension at screening (with or without medication) that is graded as greater than Stage 1 defined as a systolic pressure >159 or diastolic pressure >99 while seated and at rest (measurement may be repeated twice before subject is absolutely excluded)
• Have clinically significant abnormal clinical laboratory values at screening
• Have clinically significant electrocardiographic abnormalities at screening
• Test positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HbsAg) or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
• Have a history of cardiovascular disease that required hospitalization
• Have a history of immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases
• Have a history of arthritis (joint swelling, tenderness, warmth or erythema) on more than one occasion, not related to trauma (including running) or any episode of non-trauma related arthritis within the previous 6 months
• Suffer from active neoplastic disease or have a history of hematologic malignancy
• Suffer from a disease or are undergoing a form of treatment that can be expected to influence immune response. Such treatment includes, but is not limited to systemic or high dose inhaled (>800 μg/day of beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent) corticosteroids, radiation treatment or other immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs
• Have a history of inflammatory or degenerative neurological disease (e.g. Guillain Barré, multiple sclerosis)
• Have received any vaccination within 2 weeks prior to vaccination in this study
• Have received a blood transfusion or immunoglobulins within 30 days prior to vaccination in this study
• Have donated blood or plasma within 30 days prior to vaccination in this study
• Have a history of any vaccine related contraindicating event (e.g., anaphylaxis, allergy to eggs, allergy to components of the test or comparator vaccine, other known contraindications)
• Have a rash, dermatologic condition or tattoos which may interfere with injection site reaction rating
• Have a positive urine drug screen (unless the detected drug is currently prescribed by a licensed health care provider and the continued administration of the drug would not otherwise exclude the subject from participation)
• Were administered an investigational drug within 6 weeks prior to study entry
• Are concurrently participating in a clinical study that Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (Split Virus, Vero Cell Derived)includes the administration of an investigational product
• Are a member of the team conducting this study
• Are in a dependent relationship with the study investigator. Dependent relationships include close relatives (i.e., children, partner/spouse, siblings, parents) as well as employees of the investigator
• If female, are pregnant or lactating.

NOTE: If all other inclusion/exclusion criteria are met, a subject with a temperature >=37.5°C on Day 0 may be included in the study at a repeat visit provided:

1. They do not have an oral temperature >=37.5°C at the repeat visit,
2. The repeat visit is no more than 5 calendar days after the initial Day 0 visit,
3. The repeat visit is no more than 21 calendar days after all other screening procedures are completed,
4. Subjects are still being recruited at the study site.