The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to lower your risk of getting sick from a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). It's a 2-dose series given to adolescents, typically starting at around 11 and 12 years old. Some younger children and adults might also need to get this vaccine, depending on their health conditions or where they live or work. There are 3 brands of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine available and your provider will pick the one you need based on your age and medical conditions.
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, Y and W strains of N. meningitidis. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.
| Common Brands | Menveo, Menactra, MenQuadfi |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Back pain, sudden and severe
blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
confusion
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
fast heartbeat
flushing or redness of the skin
hives or welts
inability to move the arms and legs
muscle weakness, sudden and progressing
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
seizures
shortness of breath
skin rash
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
sweating
tightness in the chest
unusually warm skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Crying
difficulty with moving
drowsiness
irritability
loss of appetite
muscle pain or stiffness
pain in the joints
pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can put you at higher risk of meningococcal disease, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease) or cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications), don't get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine until you've talked with your provider first.
Injectable vaccines, such as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, can cause fainting in some rare cases. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, a tingling sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after vaccines in the past so they can monitor you.
Vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like Menveo, can raise the risk of apnea in babies who were born prematurely. This is a condition where babies have a temporary pause in their breathing, with or without a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of receiving the meningococcal conjugate vaccine with your child's provider.
Although very rare, some people have reported getting GBS after they've received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $145.00 | $145.00 |
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because The meningococcal conjugate vaccine will not be safe for you to take.
Prescription savings
Stop paying too much for your prescriptions. Compare prices, get pharmacy coupons, and save up to 80%.
Find expert answers to your health questions so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.Health conditions
Medications & treatment
Access & affordability
Our monthly healthcare membership can help you save thousands on your prescription costs.Resources
Menactra is a routine vaccine recommended for all children 11 to 12 years old. People who are high risk for meningococcal disease should also receive Menactra. The immunization schedule and recommendations for Menactra in high-risk children and adults depends on the brand you receive, your age, and what other medical conditions you have. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs Menactra.
The 3 brands of Menactra, Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi, all work well to prevent meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W, and Y N. meningitidis. The main difference is which age group can use which vaccine. Menactra is used in people age 9 months to 55 years, Menveo is used in people age 2 months to 55 years, and MenQuadfi is used in people 2 years of age and older. The recommendations for each brand also differ for people who are at high risk for meningococcal disease based on age cut-offs, number of doses required, and medical conditions. Bexsero and Trumenba are two brands of the meningococcal group B vaccine, which targets group B N. meningitidis. The meningococcal group B vaccine is also a routine vaccine given in addition to Menactra.
Menactra lowers your risk for meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis, which is often severe and can be life-threatening. The bacteria is typically spread through coughing or kissing someone who's infected, although it's not as easily spread as the cold or flu. The two most common parts of the body affect by the bacteria are the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and the bloodstream. Common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck (meningitis only), vomiting, and fatigue. While there are several antibiotics available to treat these infections, people with meningococcal disease are at high risk for severe complications, including death. It's best to receive Menactra for the most protection.
Menactra is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. Children who qualify can receive Menactra at any facility that's enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program at no cost. You can also receive Menactra at your provider's office or your local pharmacy, but it's likely available at certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).
Yes, pregnant women who have a high risk for group A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease should get Menactra. Talk with your provider if you're pregnant and not sure if you need this vaccine.
