Menactra

What is Menactra?

Menactra prevents infection by serogroups W, A, C, and Y. This vaccine can help your body build immunity against meningitis. The meningococcal vaccination will not treat a meningococcal disease that has already developed. Menactra can be used by children and adults aged between 9 months and 55. The meningococcal infection can cause meningitis and be fatal. The disease is spread by small drops of saliva expelled in the air from an infected individual when they cough or sneeze. Bacteria can be spread by touching objects that the infected individual has touched. This could include a door handle or any other surface. Bacteria can be spread by kissing or sharing a drink glass or eating tool with an infected individual. Menactra can be used by children and adults aged between 9 months and 55.

Meningococcal infection is more common in infants younger than one year old, young adults aged 16 to 23, those with a weakened immune system, people without a working spleen, and anyone who has been exposed to an outbreak. Menactra is a drug that works by exposing your body to a small amount of bacteria or the protein produced by the bacteria. This causes the immune system to build up against the disease. The four most common meningococcal types (serogroups C, Y, and W-135) are contained in Menactra. Menactra, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.

Warnings

You should not take Menactra if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction after receiving a diphtheria or meningococcal vaccine. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot.

Similar/related drugs

Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Rocephin, Rifampin, and Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Before you take this drug

If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction after receiving a meningococcal vaccine, tetanus, or diphtheria, then Menactra may not be for you.

If you:

• A severe illness accompanied by a high fever or infection of any kind
• A weak immune system due to disease or certain medicines (Menactra might not be as effective for you if you're immunosuppressed);
• A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
• A history of preterm birth

Even if you have a minor cold, you can still get vaccinated. You should consult your doctor to determine if you require Menactra while pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to take Menactra?

Menactra can be injected into the muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.

Menactra may be recommended in the following situations:

• You've been exposed to a meningococcal outbreak.
• You are in the military.
• You work in a lab and are exposed to meningococcal bacteria.
• You live in a dorm or group housing.
• You live or travel in an area where the disease is prevalent.
• You have a medical condition that affects your spleen, or it has been removed.
• You have HIV/AIDS.
• Your health care team may recommend either Eculizumab (Soliris) or Ravulizumab (Ultomiris);
• You have a disorder of the immune system called "complement deficiency."

Menactra should only be given once to children and adults older than 2 years. If you are at high risk for meningococcal disease and have not received the vaccine in over 4 years, you may require a booster shot. Children under the age of 4 will require two doses. You may have a different booster schedule. You can follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the local health department. You may not receive full protection from disease if you do not take all the recommended doses. Other types of meningococcal vaccination are available. You should ensure that the booster dose you receive is for serogroups C, W, or Y of meningococcal bacteria and not serogroup A.

Details on dosage

Menactra can be administered as a 0.5-ml intramuscular dose. Do not administer Menactra subcutaneously or intravenously.

Primary Vaccination

• Menactra should be given in a two-dose series, three months apart, to children aged 9 to 23 months.
• Menactra can be given to people as young as 2 years and up to 55 years.

Booster Vaccination:

• If at least four years have passed since the last dose of meningococcal vaccine, then a single booster dose can be given to those aged 15 to 55 who continue to be at risk of contracting meningococcal infection.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss your booster dose or get behind on its schedule, contact your vaccine provider as soon as possible.The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again.

What happens if I overdose?

It is unlikely that Menactra will cause an overdose.

What should be avoided?

If your vaccine provider has given you any instructions regarding restrictions in food, beverage, or activity, follow them.

Side effects of Menactra

You should seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following: itching, weakness, rapid heartbeats, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your face, lips, or tongue. Keep track of any side effects. If you require booster shots, be sure to inform the vaccine provider of any adverse side effects or concerns about possible reactions. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot. Menactra is not as dangerous as meningococcal infection or meningitis. Although any vaccine can cause side effects, the risks of serious side effects are low. After receiving Menactra, you may feel faint. Some people have experienced seizures after receiving the vaccine. Following your injection, it may be necessary for you to remain under observation for 15 minutes post injection.

If you experience:

• You may experience severe weakness in your arms or legs for 2 to 4 weeks following the vaccination.
• High fever
• Unusual behavior

Menactra may cause side effects, such as:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• Changes in appetite
• Redness, pain, swelling, or a hard lump at the site of the injection;
• Joint or muscle pain
• Headache, drowsiness, and tiredness
• A low fever is a feeling of being unwell.
• (In babies): fussiness, irritability.

There may be other side effects. Need medical advice regarding side effects? Visit your GP. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling (800) 822-7967.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor if you have received any other vaccines recently, including:

• A diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (such as Daptacel) vaccine;
• A pneumonia vaccination (such as Prevnar)

This list is incomplete. There are other drugs that may interact with the meningococcal vaccine, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.