How does it spreads?
Meningococcal bacteria can be passed from one person 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.3
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:2,3
- 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 meningococcal meningitis) by getting them vaccinated with Menactra vaccine.
NEXT: How do I get the 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.
Ask for Menactra vaccine today?
Vaccinating your children against meningococcal disease (which includes meningococcal 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.19