Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, Diphtheria Conjugate (By injection)
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Prevents meningitis (meningococcal infection).
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria conjugate vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by certain groups of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.
The following information applies only to the meningococcal vaccine used for meningococcal bacteria Groups A, C, Y, and W-135. These groups cause nearly all of the meningococcal meningitis cases in the U.S. The vaccine will not protect against infection caused by other meningococcal bacteria groups, such as Group B.
Meningococcal infection can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningococcal meningitis, which affects the brain, and meningococcemia, which affects the blood. Some persons with meningococcal meningitis and/or meningococcemia may die. The rate of these diseases peak in adolescence and early adulthood and are more likely to occur in persons with certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.
Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for persons who are at risk of getting the disease because:
They have certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.
They are living in, working in, or visiting an area where there is a strong possibility of contracting meningococcal disease.
Menveo® is recommended for use in children 2 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age. Menactra® is recommended for use in children 9 months of age and older and adults younger than 55 years of age.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other trained health professional will give this vaccine as a shot into a muscle.
Adults and children older than 2 years of age usually receive this vaccine just once. Children younger of 2 years of age will need repeat shots.
It is very important for your child to receive all of the shots for the vaccine. If your child misses a dose, call your child’s doctor for another appointment.
You should receive a vaccine information statement. Read the information carefully before this vaccine is given. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as cancer medicines, radiation treatment, or steroids.
Tell your doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received, including a flu shot.
When Not To Use
This vaccine may not be right for everyone. You should not receive this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to meningococcal or diphtheria vaccines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a weak immune system, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it.
This vaccine may cause the following problems:
Apnea (breathing problems) in premature infants Guillain-Barré syndromePossible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fainting or dizziness
Fever or chills
Weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially in the legs
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Crying or irritability
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
Headache, drowsiness, or sleepiness
Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, tenderness, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Menactra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.