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How does it spreads?

Meningococcal bacteria can be passed from one child to another through everyday activities like sharing water bottles or kissing. Many people carrying the bacteria never get sick, so they might be passing it to others without knowing it.5

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of getting meningococcal disease increases in adolescents and young adults.12,14-17 Experts believe that certain activities can put adolescents and young adults at greater risk. These include:3,5

  • Living in close quarters, such as college dormitories
  • Being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time
  • Sharing drinking glasses, water bottles, or eating utensils
  • Kissing
  • Smoking or being exposed to smoke
  • Activities that make people run down and may weaken the immune system, such as staying out late and having irregular sleeping patterns.

We know you can’t monitor everything your kids do. But you can help protect your children from meningococcal disease (which includes meningitis) by getting them vaccinated with Menactra vaccine.

NEXT: How do I get the vaccine?

What’s your story?

Share your personal experience with meningococcal disease and meningitis.

Ask for Menactra vaccine today

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

Help for the underinsured and uninsured

If you’re underinsured or uninsured, your child can still get Menactra vaccine – for little or no fee.13

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.