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Meningitis

Meningitis is the common term for an infection of the meninges, or membranes, which protect the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes the meninges to be inflamed, creating a range of reactions – severe headaches, fever, brain damage, and even death.3,6

Meningitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or even a fungus.3,18 Viral meningitis is the most common. It is serious but generally not life-threatening, and it usually goes away in 7 to 10 days.19 Bacterial meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, is very serious and potentially fatal.3

Learn more about meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease can include both meningitis and septicemia.2,3,5 Both conditions can be very serious, and meningococcal disease can kill a child in just 24 hours.8,9 You can help protect your children from this deadly disease. Talk with your doctor about Menactra vaccine today.

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.