Menactra Vaccine

Short Description

Menactra Vaccine is used to prevent meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.

Dosage Form

Vaccine

Introduction

Menactra Vaccine is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is important to receive all the doses of the vaccine to be effective. A single booster dose may be given to individuals 15 through 55 years of age at continued risk for meningococcal disease if at least 4 to 6 years have elapsed since the prior dose. Do not administer this product intravenously, subcutaneously, or intradermally.

Your doctor or nurse will guide you on how to use this medicine.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of this medicine include injection site reactions (such as pain, swelling, redness), irritability, loss of appetite, sleepiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Breastfeeding Warning

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.

Pregnancy Warning

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult and seek advice from their doctor before receiving the vaccine.

Menactra Vaccine contains Meningococcal Polysaccharides of serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 antigens. It also contains diphtheria toxoid protein that acts as a carrier for the individual serogroup antigens. This vaccine helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness but stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies (proteins) to protect against any future infections.

Menactra Vaccine is used for active immunization to prevent meningococcal disease in individuals 9 months through 55 years of age. In children 9 through 23 months of age, it is given as a 2-dose series at least three months apart. In individuals 2 through 55 years of age, it is given as a single dose. Menactra Vaccine is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered.