Menactra Vaccine Safety Information
Menactra vaccine was designed to be safe and effective.1,2,5 It’s produced by Sanofi Pasteur Inc., a company that envisions a world where no one suffers or dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. Sanofi Pasteur made one of the first meningococcal meningitis vaccines available in the United States. Menactra vaccine is the company's latest innovation in the fight against meningococcal disease (which includes meningococcal meningitis).2 The chances that your child will experience serious side effects from Menactra vaccine are small.1,5,8
Possible Menactra vaccine side effects
Some people who receive the vaccination may experience mild side effects similar to those following a tetanus and diphtheria vaccination, like redness or slight pain where the injection was given (usually on the upper arm). On occasion, headaches or fatigue may also occur. These side effects usually go away within 1 or 2 days. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine.2,5
Some cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been reported among people who received the meningococcal vaccination. There is a potential for an increased risk of getting GBS following vaccination. This vaccination should be avoided by persons previously diagnosed with GBS.5,11
Important Safety Information
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. Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS - severe muscle weakness) may have an increased chance of getting GBS following vaccination. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals.
For more information about Menactra vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.
Ask for Menactra vaccine today?
Vaccinating your children against meningococcal disease (which includes meningococcal meningitis) is the best way to help protect them.