Frequently Asked Questions About Menactra vaccine

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Prescribing Information | Safety Information | For Consumers

About Menactra Vaccine
Age Indication
Immunogenicity
Safety
Reimbursement
Menactra Vaccine FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Menactra

What is the age indication for Menactra vaccine?

Menactra vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and
W-135. Menactra vaccine is approved for use in individuals 9 months through 55 years of age. Menactra vaccine does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.¹

How was the safety of Menactra vaccine studied?

Menactra vaccine safety is demonstrated in clinical trials in over 36,000 patients and confirmed in everyday use since 2005. Most adverse reactions associated with Menactra vaccine were mild. The most common local and systemic adverse reactions to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and induration (all age groups); irritability, crying, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (infants and children); headache, fatigue, and malaise (adolescents and adults). Other adverse reactions may occur. Menactra vaccine is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported in temporal relationship following administration of Menactra vaccine. Persons previously diagnosed with GBS should not receive Menactra vaccine. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals. ¹

What immunogenicity data are available on Menactra vaccine?

Menactra vaccine produces antibody responses to serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 that are comparable to the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine.²

What is the difference between a conjugate vaccine and a polysaccharide vaccine?

Menactra vaccine is a conjugate vaccine, which consists of polysaccharide antigens covalently bound to a protein carrier, diphtheria toxoid. Addition of the protein carrier to the polysaccharide antigen prompts a helper T-cell dependent immune response. Conjugate vaccines have the potential to provide an immune memory response.¹

Important Safety Information
Indication
Menactra vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menactra vaccine is approved for use in individuals 9 months through 55 years of age. Menactra vaccine does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.

Safety Information
The most common local and systemic adverse reactions to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and induration (all age groups); irritability, crying, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (infants and children); headache, fatigue, and malaise (adolescents and adults). Other adverse reactions may occur.

Menactra vaccine is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine. Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) may be at increased risk of GBS following receipt of Menactra vaccine. The decision to give Menactra vaccine should take into account the potential benefits and risks. GBS has been reported in temporal relationship following administration of Menactra vaccine. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals

Before administering Menactra vaccine, please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.