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Why Menactra vaccine?

Parents should vaccinate their children against meningococcal disease, which includes meningococcal meningitis, for a number of reasons. Although rare, meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness that includes meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood poisoning).1-4 Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of getting the disease.2,8,12 The disease can be hard to diagnose, especially in its early stages.2,3 Meningococcal meningitis can take the life of a child in just 24 hours.6,7

Menactra vaccine is a meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Menactra vaccine helps protect against common strains (A, C, Y, and W-135) of meningococcal bacteria in the United States.1,2

Meningococcal disease fast facts

  • As many as 1 in 10 people who get meningococcal disease die from it.5
  • Up to 1 in 5 survivors suffer brain damage, amputations, kidney damage, and more.3
  • The disease progresses so quickly that it can kill a healthy child in just 24 hours.1,8,9
  • Diagnosing meningococcal disease is difficult because its early symptoms are very similar to the flu (influenza).3,5
  • Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.3,4,12
  • A vaccination of Menactra vaccine can help protect your child from getting the disease.1,2
NEXT: How do I get menactra vaccine?

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.