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Why Menactra vaccine?

Parents should vaccinate their children against meningococcal disease 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).2,3,5,6 Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of getting the disease.3,4,12 The disease can be hard to diagnose, especially in its early stages.3,5 Meningococcal disease can take the life of a child in just 24 hours.8,9

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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.