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Meningococcal group A Diphtheria Conjugate Vaccine

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At a glance

Meningococcal group A Diphtheria Conjugate Vaccine is used to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. It is made by conjugating capsular polysaccharide antigens to diphtheria toxoid protein carrier.

Description

Meningococcal serogroup A, C, Y, and W-135 capsular polysaccharide antigens are individually conjugated to diphtheria toxoid protein carrier. This induces production of bactericidal antibodies directed against the capsular polysaccharides of serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135, providing protection from invasive meningococcal disease.

Indications
  • Prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135
  • Immunization of high-risk adults and children
  • Immunization of persons with asplenia or complement deficiencies
  • Immunization of travelers to/residents in hyperendemic/epidemic countries
Therapeutic class

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Pharmacological class

Conjugate Vaccine

Pharmacology

Meningococcal serogroup A, C, Y, and W-135 capsular polysaccharide antigens are conjugated to diphtheria toxoid protein. This induces production of bactericidal antibodies against serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.

Mechanism of action

Induces production of bactericidal antibodies to protect against meningococcal infection.

Dosage

Adults and Adolescents:

  • High-risk: 0.5 mL/dose IM as a single dose
  • Asplenia/complement deficiencies: 2 doses (2 months apart), booster every 5 years
  • Travel to hyperendemic countries: Single dose

Children:

  • 11-12 years: 0.5 mL IM once; booster at age 16 years
  • HIV infection: 2-dose primary series (8 weeks apart)
  • 2-10 years: Single dose; 2nd dose for high-risk
  • 2 months: 4-dose series (2, 4, 6, 12 months)
Administration
  • IM injection only (do not give IV, SC, or ID)
  • Anterolateral thigh in infants; deltoid muscle in toddlers, adolescents, and adults
Missed dose

Not generally applicable (vaccine); consult doctor if needed.

Side effects

Children (2 months, 4-dose series):

  • Tenderness (24-41%), erythema (11-15%)
  • Irritability (42-57%), sleepiness (29-50%)
  • Persistent crying (21-41%), change in eating habits (17-23%)
  • Vomiting (5-11%), diarrhea (8-16%)

Children (7-23 months, 2-dose series):

  • Tenderness (10-16%), erythema (12-15%)
  • Irritability (27-40%), sleepiness (17-29%)

Children (2-10 years): Injection site pain (31%), erythema (23%), irritability (18%), headache (11%)

Adolescents & Adults: Injection site pain (41%), headache (30%), myalgia (18%), nausea (10%)

Precautions & warnings
  • Caution in Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Preventing and managing allergic vaccine reactions
  • Caution in thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders
  • Caution in immunocompromised persons
  • Caution in pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
  • Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose, any component of this vaccine, or any other CRM197, diphtheria toxoid, or meningococcal-containing vaccine
Drug interactions
  • Live vaccines
  • Reduced immunological response with immunosuppressants
Food interactions

No food interactions applicable (injection).

Use in pregnancy

Use in Pregnancy: No adequate data; use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks.

Use in lactation

Use in Lactation: No adequate data; administer when needed and benefits outweigh risks.

Pediatric use

Pediatric doses established for children 2 months to 18 years (age and risk-based).

Geriatric use

Doses established for adults.

Renal / hepatic impairment

May not induce effective response in immunocompromised individuals.

Overdose effects

Overdose not applicable (vaccine).

Storage conditions

Store in refrigerator (2-8°C); do not freeze; store in original package to protect from light; keep out of reach of children.

Chemical structure

Meningococcal group A Diphtheria Conjugate Vaccine

Common questions

What does this vaccine do?
It protects against meningococcal infection caused by serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.
Who should receive it?
High-risk individuals from 2 months to adults.
What are the side effects?
Injection site pain, redness, irritability, drowsiness, headache, etc. may occur.
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.