What is Meningococcal conjugate vaccine ?
The meningococcal infection is caused by bacteria that can cause meningitis. This can be fatal or can lead to permanent medical problems. The disease is spread by small droplets in the air that are expelled when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Bacteria are spread by close contact, such as kissing and sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils. The meningococcal vaccine conjugate is used to protect against infections that may be caused by serogroups W, A, C, and Y. This vaccine will help your body build immunity against meningitis However, this remedy won't treat an infection you already have contracted.However, this remedy won't treat an infection you already have contracted.However, this remedy won't treat an infection you already have contracted.This vaccine, Menactra, is intended for children and adults aged 9 months to 55 years. Menveo is recommended for adults and children between the ages of 2 months and 55 years. The MenQuadfi app is designed for children and adults over the age of 2 years. Meningococcal conjugate vaccination may not protect everyone from disease.
Side effects of Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeats, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Keep a record of any side effects.If you require a booster shot, inform the provider of any side effects experienced from previous vaccinations. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot. Meningitis and infection with meningococcal bacteria are far more harmful to your health than this vaccine. Although any vaccine can cause side effects, the risks of serious side effects are low. After receiving this vaccination, you may feel faint. After receiving this vaccine, some people have experienced seizures. After receiving an injection, you may be required to remain under close observation for 15 minutes following administration of an injection.
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine may cause serious side effects. 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
Side effects of the meningococcal conjugate vaccination may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Changes in appetite
- Redness, pain, swelling, or a hard lump at the site of the injection;
- Joint or muscular pain
- Headache, drowsiness, and tiredness
- A low fever is a feeling of being unwell.
- (In babies): fussiness, irritability.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, reach out to a licensed physician. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling (800) 822-7967.
Warnings
If you had an extreme allergic reaction to your first dose, booster shots are not advised.
Before you take this drug
If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to the meningococcal or diphtheria vaccines, this vaccine may not be for you.
If you are:
- A severe illness with fever or infection of any kind;
- A weak immune system due to disease or certain medicines (this vaccine 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 this vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take Meningococcal conjugate vaccine ?
This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccination is recommended when:
- 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.
- You use a medicine called eculizumab (Soliris) or ravulizumab (Ultomiris);
- You have a disorder of the immune system called "complement deficiency."
Adults and children older than 2 years are usually only given one dose of the meningococcal vaccine conjugate. If you are at high risk for meningococcal disease and you've had this vaccine in the past 4 years, you may need to receive a booster shot. Children under the age of 4 will require 2 to 4 doses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that teens aged 11–12 receive a single-dose meningococcal vaccine conjugate. At age 16, a booster dose is recommended to continue protection against meningococcid diseases. You may have a different booster schedule. You can follow the instructions provided by your doctor or local health department. If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised. Other types of meningococcal vaccination are available. You should ensure that the booster dose you receive is for meningococcal serogroups C, W, or Y, and not serogroup B.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for meningococcal meningitis prevention:
Intramuscularly, 0.5 mL once
The usual pediatric dose for meningococcal meningitis prevention is:
Two years old or older
Intramuscularly, inject 0.5 mL.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss your booster dose or fall behind on its schedule, reach out to your vaccine provider immediately so the next dose can be administered as soon as possible. There is no need for another start over period.
What happens if I overdose?
It is unlikely that this vaccine 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.
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 pneumonitis vaccination (such as Prevnar)
This list is incomplete. Meningococcal conjugate vaccination may be affected by other drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.
