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Menactra Dosage
There is one standard dosage of Menactra that is given to both adults and children, regardless of weight or age. The vaccine is given as a single 0.5-mL injection, usually administered in the upper arm. In the future, a booster dose may be recommended; however, the vaccine is still relatively new, so it's too early to know how long it offers protection from invasive meningococcal diseases.
The dosing schedule for Menactra® (meningococcal vaccine) will vary, depending on your age.
For individuals age two years and older, only one dose of Menactra is recommended -- no boosters are recommended at this time. The standard Menactra dosage is a single 0.5-mL dose, injected into a muscle. Unlike many other vaccines, there are not separate versions of Menactra for adults and for children.
As is typical with new or relatively new vaccines, it is possible that a booster dosage will someday be recommended. It is simply too early to know exactly how long Menactra will provide protection against bacterial meningitis and other invasive meningococcal diseases.
The vaccine contains no preservatives, including thimerosal.
For babies and toddlers age 9 through 23 months of age, two doses are recommended, given 3 months apart. The standard Menactra dosage is a single 0.5-mL dose, injected into a muscle.
Some considerations to keep in mind when taking Menactra include the following:
- Menactra is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm (for adults and older children) or in the upper thigh (for young children).
- People can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the individual is moderately or severely ill.
- If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or Menactra dosing in general, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD