The present invention pertains to the field of formulation of viruses, viral particles, viral vaccine suitable for preservation and storage. Specifically, the invention provides a formulation for maintaining a virus in a stable form, comprising said virus and a composition containing a disaccharide, specifically sucrose, carnosine and at least one compound selected from the group of hydroxyethyl starch, monovalent salts, amino acids, high molecular weight proteins and monosodium glutamate monohydrate methods for stabilizing virus and its use for vaccine formulation.
