Meningococcal Vaccine (By injection)
me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal VAX-een
Prevents meningitis.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Meningococcal 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 disease.
Menomune® is active against groups A, C, Y and W-135 meningococcal bacteria only.
Bexsero® and Trumenba® is active against group B meningococcal bacteria only. .
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 also may die. These diseases are more likely to occur in young children and 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.
Menomune® is recommended for use in patients 2 years of age and older.
Bexsero® and Trumenba® is recommended for use in patients 10 to 25 years of age. .
This vaccine is to be given 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 to you. It is given as a shot under your skin or into a muscle.
If you are receiving the Bexsero® vaccine, it is very important that you receive 2 shots for the vaccine series. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for another appointment.
If you are receiving the Trumenba® vaccine, it is very important that you receive all 3 shots for the vaccine series. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for another appointment.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how the meningococcal vaccine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any 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 it if you had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal vaccine or thimerosal.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any type of infection or an allergy to latex.
This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it.
Possible 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
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache, joint or muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, chills
Pain, itching, swelling, burning, or a lump under your 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
Bexsero, Menactra, Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135, Menveo, Trumenba
There may be other brand names for this medicine.