Menactra
Generic name:meningococcal conjugate vaccine [ me-NIN-je-KOK-al-KON-je-gate-vax-EEN ]
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is Menactra?
Menactra is used to prevent infection caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis. Meningococcal vaccine will not treat an active meningococcal infection that has already developed in the body.
Menactra is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can infect the spinal cord and brain and cause meningitis, which can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.
Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surface. The bacteria can also be passed through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil with an infected person.
Menactra is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.
Meningococcal disease is more likely to occur in babies younger than 1 year, in young people ages 16 to 23 years, in anyone with a weak immune system, those without a functioning spleen, and in anyone exposed to an outbreak of the disease.Menactra works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Menactra contains four of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135).
Like any vaccine, Menactra may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
You should not receive Menactra if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal or diphtheria vaccine.
You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to receive Menactra if you've ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal, diphtheria, or tetanus vaccine.
Menactra may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:
a severe illness with a fever or any type of infection;
a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine (Menactra may not be as effective if you are immunosuppressed);
a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome; or
a history of premature birth.
You can still receive a vaccine if you've a minor cold.
Your doctor should determine whether you need Menactra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How is Menactra given?
Menactra is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.
Menactra is recommended if:
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