Meningococcal Vaccine
Pronouncation: (me-NIN-jo-kok-al vaccine)Class: Vaccine, bacterial
Trade Names:
Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135
- Injection 50 mcg
Trade Names:
Menactra
- Injection 48 mcg
Pharmacology
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Induces production of bactericidal antibodies specific to capsular polysaccharides of serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.
Indications and Usage
MenomuneActive immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135; may be used to prevent and control outbreaks of serogroup C meningococcal disease.
MenactraActive immunization of adolescents and adults, 11 to 55 yr of age, against invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neissera meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.
Contraindications
MenomuneIndividuals known to be sensitive to thimerosal or any component of the vaccine; defer immunization during any acute illness.
MenactraHypersensitivity to dry natural rubber latex; hypersensitivity to any component of the product, including diphtheria toxoid or a life-threatening reaction after previous administration of a vaccine containing similar components.
Dosage and Administration
MenomuneAdults and children 2 yr of age and older (except for short-term treatment protection of infants 3 mo of age and older against Group A)
Subcutaneous Single 0.5 mL dose. Revaccination with a single 0.5 mL dose may be indicated for individuals at high-risk of infection, particularly children who were first vaccinated when they were younger than 4 yr of age.
MenactraAdults and children 11 to 55 yr of age
IM Single 0.5 mL dose, preferably in the deltoid region.
Storage/Stability
Store vials in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Protect from light and freezing. Do not use vaccine if it has been frozen. Do not use after expiration date.
Drug Interactions
Immunosuppressive therapyAn inadequate immunologic response may not be obtained.
Whole-cell pertussis, whole-cell typhoid vaccinesDo not administer Menomune at the same time because of combined endotoxin content.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CNS
Fatigue, headache, malaise, seizures (at least 2%).
Dermatologic
Erythema, induration, rash, redness, swelling, tenderness, local pain (at least 2%).
GI
Anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting (at least 2%).
Musculoskeletal
Arthralgia (at least 2%).
Miscellaneous
Chills, fever (at least 2%).
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
MenomuneSafety and efficacy not established in children younger than 2 yr of age, except for short-term protection of infants 3 mo of age and older against Group A.
MenactraSafety and efficacy not established in children younger than 11 yr of age.
Hemorrhage
Because of risk of hemorrhage, do not give Menactra vaccine to patients with any bleeding disorder (eg, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia) or to patients on anticoagulant therapy unless benefits clearly outweigh the risk.
Latex
Dry natural latex rubber is contained in the vial stopper.
Patient Information
- Advise patient or caregiver that vaccine will be prepared and administered by a health care provider.
- Review potential benefits and risks of vaccine with patient or caregiver and provide vaccine information statements for review.
- Advise patient or caregiver that pain at the injection site, headache, fever, general body discomfort, and joint pain can occur, and to use nonnarcotic analgesic and antipyretic (eg, ibuprofen) agents for symptomatic relief. Advise patient or caregiver to report severe, persistent, or unusual or unexplained symptoms to health care provider.
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Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis










