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Menactra

Generic name: meningococcal conjugate vaccineme-NIN-je-KOK-al-KON-je-gate-vax-EEN ]
Drug class: Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Mar 1, 2024.

What is Menactra?

Menactra is used to prevent infection caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis. Meningococcal vaccine will not treat an active meningococcal infection that has already developed in the body.

Menactra is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can infect the spinal cord and brain and cause meningitis, which can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surface. The bacteria can also be passed through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil with an infected person.

Menactra is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.

Meningococcal disease is more likely to occur in babies younger than 1 year, in young people ages 16 to 23 years, in anyone with a weak immune system, those without a functioning spleen, and in anyone exposed to an outbreak of the disease.

Menactra works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Menactra contains four of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135).

Like any vaccine, Menactra may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Warnings

You should not receive Menactra if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal or diphtheria vaccine.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to receive Menactra if you've ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal, diphtheria, or tetanus vaccine.

Menactra may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

You can still receive a vaccine if you've a minor cold.

Your doctor should determine whether you need Menactra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

How is Menactra given?

Menactra is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Menactra is recommended if:

Menactra is usually given only once to adults and children 2 years and older. You may need a booster dose if you have a high risk of meningococcal infection and it has been at least 4 years since you last received this vaccine. Younger children will need to receive 2 doses.

Your booster schedule may be different. Follow the guidelines provided by your doctor or local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of Menactra or you may not be fully protected against disease.

There are other types of meningococcal vaccine available. When you receive a booster dose, make sure you are receiving a vaccine for meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, or Y and not for serogroup B.

Dosing information

Menactra is given as a 0.5ml dose by intramuscular injection. Do not administer Menactra intravenously or subcutaneously.

Primary Vaccination:

Booster Vaccination:

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Menactra is not likely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving Menactra?

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Menactra side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Menactra: hives; dizziness, weakness; fast heartbeats; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have. If you need a booster dose, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Becoming infected with meningococcal disease and developing meningitis is much more dangerous to your health than receiving Menactra. Any vaccine may cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

You may feel faint after receiving Menactra. Some people have had seizure like reactions after receiving this vaccine. Your doctor may want you to remain under observation during the first 15 minutes after the injection.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Menactra side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1 800 822 7967.

What other drugs will affect Menactra?

Tell your doctor about all other vaccines you recently received, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with meningococcal conjugate vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Menactra only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.