Menactra
® (
meningococcal vaccine) is used to provide protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by the
Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It is approved for use in individuals 2 through 55 years of age. Invasive meningococcal diseases include:
- Bacterial meningitis (a bacterial infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
- Bloodstream infections.
(Click Menactra Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Menactra does not contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative. People who are concerned about exposure to this substance can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts. Some people also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. This vaccine contains no aluminum.
Menactra is not made from animal components or human fetal cell lines, unlike some vaccines.
Menactra is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
How Does Menactra Work?
This vaccine contains polysaccharide (sugar) molecules from the outside coating of the
N. meningitidis bacteria. Unlike the earlier version of the
meningococcal vaccine (
Menomune®), the polysaccharides in Menactra are attached to diphtheria toxoid proteins (this type of vaccine is known as a conjugate vaccine).
This simple change makes the vaccine more effective for younger children, since children respond better to conjugate vaccines, and it provides longer-lasting immunity.
Simply stated, this vaccine "tricks" the body into thinking it has been exposed to the actual bacteria, but without the risks of a real infection. If future exposure to the bacteria occurs, the immune system "remembers" the bacteria and is better able to fight it off.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations with Menactra to keep in mind include the following:
- This vaccine is typically given as a single dose.
- Menactra is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm.
- 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.
There is only one recommended dose for this vaccine, regardless of your age or weight
(see Menactra Dosage for more information).
Just like any vaccine, Menactra may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with Menactra include but are not limited to:
- Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, or swelling
- Headache
- Fatigue
- A general ill feeling (malaise).
(Click Menactra Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Before you receive the Menactra vaccine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- An immune-suppressing condition, such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to a vaccine before
- A moderate or severe illness
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should Menactra Be Stored?
Menactra should be stored in the refrigerator. The vaccine should never be frozen.
The vaccine is available in 0.5-mL, single-dose vials and prefilled syringes. The vials contain dry natural latex rubber, while the prefilled syringes are free of latex.
Is There a Generic Version of Menactra?
