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How do I get the meningococcal meningitis vaccine?

You can help protect your child’s life and dreams with Menactra vaccine. If your child is like other children, they probably see their doctor a lot less than they did when they were younger. That’s why it’s important to schedule a visit to see your doctor. Menactra vaccine can help protect your child against meningococcal disease (which includes meningococcal meningitis). Talk to your doctor about vaccination today.

Ask your doctor about Menactra vaccine

Menactra vaccine can help protect your child against meningococcal disease. 1, 2, 5 Here are some questions you should ask your child’s doctor concerning a Menactra vaccination:

"Has my child been vaccinated against meningococcal disease?"

If YES, then ask:

  • "When was my child vaccinated for meningococcal disease?"
  • "Is that vaccination still effective?"
  • "Are there any other steps I can take to protect my child from meningococcal disease?"

If NO, then ask:

  • "Why wasn’t my child vaccinated for meningococcal disease?"
  • "Isn’t the vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?"
  • "Can my child get the vaccination now?"
  • "Does our state legislation require getting the meningococcal vaccination to attend high school, summer camp, or college?"

Indication

Menactra vaccine is given to people 9 months through 55 years of age to help prevent meningococcal disease (including meningitis) caused by certain strains of meningococcal bacteria. Menactra vaccine is not indicated for the prevention of meningitis caused by meningococcal strains not contained in the vaccine.

Safety Information

Side effects to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, swelling, headache and tiredness. In infants, irritability, crying, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine or by any persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness). There is a potential for an increased chance of getting Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals.

For more information about Menactra vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.

Help for the underinsured and uninsured

If you’re underinsured or uninsured, your child can still get Menactra vaccine – for little or no fee.19