Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
Generic name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine [ me-NIN-je-KOK-al-KON-je-gate-vax-EEN ]
Brand names: Menactra, MenQuadfi, Menveo
Dosage forms: intramuscular powder for injection (-); intramuscular solution (-; polysaccharide tetanus toxoid group ACYW)
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is meningococcal conjugate vaccine?
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 spreads from person to person through small droplets of saliva expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria is usually passed through close contact with an infected person, especially through kissing or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis, but will not treat an active infection you already have.
The Menactra brand of this vaccine is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old. Menveo is for children and adults between the ages of 2 months and 55 years old. MenQuadfi is for adults and children at least 2 years old.
Like any vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
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 this vaccine if you've ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal, diphtheria, or tetanus vaccine.
This vaccine 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 (this vaccine 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 this vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How is this vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended if:
you've been exposed to an outbreak of meningococcal disease;
you are in the military;
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