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Safety

Menactra vaccine was designed to be safe and effective.1-3 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 vaccines available in the United States. Now the company's latest innovation in the fight against meningococcal disease (which includes meningitis) is here – Menactra vaccine.3 The chances that your child will experience serious side effects from Menactra vaccine are small.1,2,4

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 a fever 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, including latex (which is used in the vial stopper).1,3

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.1,11

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Vaccinating your children against meningococcal disease (which includes meningitis) is the best way to help protect them.

Indication
Menactra vaccine is given to persons 2 through 55 years of age for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menactra vaccine will not stimulate protection against infection caused by N meningitidis other than serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.

Safety Information
Side effects to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; headache or fatigue. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine, including latex (which is used in the vial stopper), or by any persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. 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.