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MenQuadfi

Generic name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine [me-NIN-je-KOK-al-KON-je-gate-vax-EEN]
Brand names: Menactra, MenQuadfi, and Menveo

What is MenQuadfi?

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. MenQuadfi prevents infection by serogroups W, A, C, and Y. This vaccine will help your body build immunity against meningitis.However, this won't help treat an infection you already have contracted. This vaccine, Menactra, is intended for children and adults aged 9 months to 55 years. Menveo can be used by children and adults aged between 2 months and 55. MenQuadfi can be used by adults and children over the age of 2 years. MenQuadfi, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from illness.

Side effects of MenQuadfi

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 your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Keep track of any side effects. If you require a booster shot, inform the vaccine provider of any adverse side effects that have arisen since taking the initial 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. Some people have experienced seizures after receiving this vaccination. As part of your post-injection care, it may be required of you to remain under observation for 15 minutes post injection.

MenQuadfi 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

MenQuadfi can cause the following side effects:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Changes in appetite
  • Redness, swelling, or pain where the injection was made;
  • 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. To receive medical advice regarding side effects, contact your 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 adverse 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 accompanied by a high 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 MenQuadfi?

This vaccine is administered as an injection into a muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office.

MenQuadfi should be used if you:

  • 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."

MenQuadfi 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 2 to 4 doses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that teens aged 11–12 receive a single-dose meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The booster dose is given at 16 years old to continue protection against meningococcal diseases. You may have a different booster schedule. You can follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the 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 serogroups C, W, or Y of meningococcal bacteria and not serogroup A.

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. 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 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. MenQuadfi may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.