Generic
Meningococcal Vaccine
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is used for active immunization of children from 2 years of age, adolescents, and adults against meningococcal disease caused by meningococci of serogroups A, C, W135, and Y.
Description
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is a freeze-dried preparation of group-specific polysaccharide antigens from Neisseria meningitidis Group A, C, Y, and W135. When reconstituted, it is a clear, colorless sterile solution for subcutaneous use.
Indications
- Active immunization against meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W135, and Y in children 2 years+, adolescents, and adults
- Persons living in closed communities and close contacts of patients
- Travelers to countries where the disease is epidemic or highly endemic
Therapeutic class
Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin
Pharmacological class
Polysaccharide Vaccine
Pharmacology
Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine stimulates production of bactericidal antibodies directed against the capsular polysaccharides of serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, providing protection from invasive meningococcal disease.
Mechanism of action
Induces production of protective antibodies against meningococcal infection.
Dosage
Adults and Children 2 years+: 0.5 mL single dose, administered subcutaneously
Administration
- For subcutaneous injection only
- Protective antibody levels may be achieved within 7-10 days after vaccination
Missed dose
Not generally applicable (vaccine); consult doctor if needed.
Side effects
Very Common: Irritability, drowsiness, headache, pain and redness at injection site, fatigue
Common: Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), myalgia, swelling at injection site, fever
Uncommon: Dizziness
Precautions & warnings
- Postpone vaccination in acute severe febrile illness
- This vaccine does not protect against serogroups other than A, C, W135, and Y
- May not induce effective response in immunocompromised individuals
- Epinephrine should be available for anaphylactic reactions
- Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to active substances or any excipients
Drug interactions
No significant drug interactions known.
Food interactions
No food interactions applicable (injection).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No adequate human data or animal studies; 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
Dose established for children 2 years and older.
Geriatric use
Safe for elderly; no special precautions needed.
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 Vaccine