Meningococcal conjugate vaccine side effects. Meningococcal Vaccination: Protecting Teens and Young Adults from Deadly Disease
What are the types of meningococcal vaccines available in the US. Who should get meningococcal vaccines and when. What are the potential side effects of meningococcal vaccines. How effective are meningococcal vaccines in preventing disease.
Understanding Meningococcal Disease and Its Risks
Meningococcal disease is a severe and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can rapidly progress, causing death within hours. While uncommon, it poses a significant risk to teenagers and young adults. The disease can manifest as meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord lining) or bacteremia/septicemia (bloodstream infections).
Why is meningococcal disease so concerning? Approximately 1 in 5 survivors are left with permanent disabilities, highlighting the severe consequences of this infection. The rapid progression of the disease makes prevention through vaccination crucial.
Key Facts About Meningococcal Disease:
- Can be fatal within hours of onset
- Teens and young adults are at increased risk
- May cause permanent disabilities in survivors
- Preventable through vaccination
Types of Meningococcal Vaccines Available in the United States
There are two main types of meningococcal vaccines licensed for use in the United States:
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- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines
- Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines
These vaccines target different serogroups (strains) of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. MenACWY vaccines provide protection against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, while MenB vaccines protect against serogroup B. Currently, no single vaccine offers protection against all five serogroups.
Can MenACWY and MenB vaccines be administered together?
Yes, both types of meningococcal vaccines can be given during the same visit, preferably in different arms. This approach ensures comprehensive protection against the most common causes of meningococcal disease in the United States.
CDC Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established clear guidelines for meningococcal vaccination to protect those at highest risk. These recommendations focus primarily on preteens, teens, and young adults.
MenACWY Vaccine Recommendations:
- First dose for all preteens at 11 to 12 years old
- Booster dose for all teens at 16 years old
The booster dose at 16 years old is crucial as it provides continued protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. If a teenager missed getting the MenACWY vaccine, it’s important to consult their doctor about catching up on this vital immunization.

MenB Vaccine Recommendations:
- Optional for teens and young adults (16 through 23 years old)
- Preferred age is 16 through 18 years old
- Multiple doses needed for best protection
- Must receive the same brand for all doses
Parents interested in MenB vaccination for their teens should discuss this option with their healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for their child.
Special Considerations for Meningococcal Vaccination
While younger children and adults typically don’t require meningococcal vaccines, there are exceptions. The CDC recommends one or both types of meningococcal vaccines for individuals with:
- Certain medical conditions
- Travel plans to areas where the disease is common
- Jobs involving work with the bacteria
- Increased risk due to a meningococcal disease outbreak
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you or your child falls into one of these categories and requires meningococcal vaccination.
Safety and Potential Side Effects of Meningococcal Vaccines
Meningococcal vaccines are generally safe, but like all medical interventions, they can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

Common Side Effects of MenACWY Vaccines:
- Redness or pain at the injection site
- Fever
These reactions typically improve within 1 to 2 days without intervention.
Common Side Effects of MenB Vaccines:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or diarrhea
These reactions usually resolve within 3 to 7 days. While serious reactions are possible with both types of vaccines, they are rare.
Importance of Timely Vaccination for Optimal Protection
Timely vaccination is crucial for ensuring optimal protection against meningococcal disease. The CDC’s recommended schedule is designed to provide coverage during the periods of highest risk.
Why is the timing of meningococcal vaccines important?
The timing of meningococcal vaccines is crucial because:
- It ensures protection before the period of highest risk (late teens and early twenties)
- The booster dose at 16 years old compensates for waning immunity from the initial dose
- It aligns with other recommended adolescent vaccines, improving overall vaccination rates
Following the recommended schedule maximizes the effectiveness of the vaccines and provides the best possible protection against meningococcal disease.

Addressing Common Concerns About Meningococcal Vaccination
Parents and individuals may have concerns or questions about meningococcal vaccination. Addressing these concerns is crucial for informed decision-making and ensuring high vaccination rates.
Are meningococcal vaccines necessary if the disease is rare?
While meningococcal disease is relatively rare, its severe consequences and rapid progression make prevention crucial. The potential for outbreaks, especially in close-contact settings like college dormitories, further underscores the importance of vaccination.
Do the benefits of meningococcal vaccination outweigh the risks?
Yes, the benefits of meningococcal vaccination significantly outweigh the risks. The vaccines have a strong safety profile, and the potential side effects are generally mild and short-lived. In contrast, meningococcal disease can be life-threatening or cause permanent disabilities.
Can meningococcal vaccines cause meningitis?
No, meningococcal vaccines cannot cause meningitis. The vaccines contain either inactivated bacteria or specific proteins from the bacteria, which cannot cause the disease. They stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing infection.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Meningococcal Vaccination
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring appropriate meningococcal vaccination coverage. Their responsibilities include:
- Educating patients and parents about the importance of meningococcal vaccination
- Administering vaccines according to the CDC-recommended schedule
- Addressing concerns and answering questions about meningococcal vaccines
- Identifying individuals who may need vaccination outside of routine recommendations
- Maintaining accurate vaccination records
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for achieving high vaccination rates and protecting against meningococcal disease.
How can healthcare providers improve meningococcal vaccination rates?
Healthcare providers can improve meningococcal vaccination rates by:
- Implementing reminder systems for due or overdue vaccinations
- Offering vaccination at every appropriate clinical encounter
- Providing clear, evidence-based information about the benefits of vaccination
- Addressing concerns and misconceptions promptly and effectively
- Collaborating with schools and community organizations to promote vaccination
By taking these steps, healthcare providers can help ensure that more individuals receive timely meningococcal vaccination and are protected against this serious disease.

Future Developments in Meningococcal Vaccination
Research in meningococcal vaccination continues to advance, with ongoing efforts to improve vaccine efficacy and coverage. Some areas of focus include:
- Development of combination vaccines that protect against all major serogroups in a single shot
- Improvement of vaccine stability and storage conditions
- Investigation of alternative delivery methods, such as nasal sprays or patches
- Enhancement of long-term immunity to reduce the need for booster doses
- Expansion of vaccination programs to cover a broader range of age groups and populations
These developments aim to make meningococcal vaccination more accessible, effective, and convenient, ultimately leading to better protection against this serious disease.
What potential advancements in meningococcal vaccines are on the horizon?
Researchers are exploring several promising avenues for advancing meningococcal vaccines:
- Universal vaccines: Scientists are working on developing vaccines that can provide protection against all serogroups of meningococcal bacteria in a single formulation.
- Improved adjuvants: New adjuvants (substances that enhance immune response) may help boost vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection.
- Novel delivery systems: Technologies like nanoparticles or liposomes could improve vaccine stability and enhance immune responses.
- Genetic approaches: Advances in genomics and proteomics may lead to the identification of new vaccine targets and improved vaccine design.
- Thermostable formulations: Development of vaccines that don’t require refrigeration could greatly improve access in resource-limited settings.
These potential advancements could significantly impact the prevention of meningococcal disease globally, offering more comprehensive and accessible protection.

Global Perspectives on Meningococcal Vaccination
While this article has focused primarily on meningococcal vaccination in the United States, it’s important to consider the global context. Meningococcal disease affects populations worldwide, with varying prevalence of different serogroups across regions.
How do meningococcal vaccination strategies differ around the world?
Meningococcal vaccination strategies vary globally due to differences in disease epidemiology, healthcare resources, and public health priorities. Some key differences include:
- Serogroup prevalence: Different regions may prioritize vaccines targeting the most common local serogroups.
- Vaccination schedules: The timing and number of doses may vary between countries.
- Target populations: Some countries focus on routine childhood vaccination, while others prioritize high-risk groups.
- Outbreak response: Strategies for responding to meningococcal outbreaks can differ based on local resources and policies.
- Vaccine availability: Access to newer vaccines, such as MenB vaccines, may be limited in some regions.
Understanding these global differences is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to combat meningococcal disease worldwide.

What challenges exist in global meningococcal disease prevention?
Several challenges complicate global efforts to prevent meningococcal disease:
- Vaccine cost and availability in low-resource settings
- Logistical difficulties in vaccine distribution and storage
- Variations in disease surveillance and reporting across countries
- Cultural and social barriers to vaccine acceptance
- Limited awareness of meningococcal disease and its prevention
Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts between governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and communities to improve global meningococcal disease prevention.
In conclusion, meningococcal vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting individuals, particularly teenagers and young adults, from a potentially devastating disease. By understanding the types of vaccines available, following recommended vaccination schedules, and staying informed about potential side effects and ongoing research, we can work towards better prevention of meningococcal disease both in the United States and globally. As always, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on meningococcal vaccination and other preventive health measures.

Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC
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Teens and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a very serious illness where death can occur in as little as a few hours. Talk with a doctor about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines licensed in the United States:
- Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines
- Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines
These vaccines help prevent the most common causes of meningococcal disease in the United States.
CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for preteens, teens, and certain other people
CDC recommends MenACWY vaccine for:
- All preteens at 11 to 12 years old
- All teens at 16 years old
The booster dose at 16 years old gives teens continued protection during the ages when they are at highest risk.
If your teenager missed getting MenACWY vaccine, ask their doctor about getting it now.
Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) may also get MenB vaccine:
- Preferred age is 16 through 18 years old
- Multiple doses needed for best protection
- Must get the same brand for all doses
Talk with your teen’s doctor if you are interested in MenB vaccination.
Younger children and adults usually do not need meningococcal vaccines. However, CDC recommends one or both types of meningococcal vaccines for people with
- Certain medical conditions
- Travel plans to areas where the disease is common
- Jobs working with the bacteria
- Increased risk due to a meningococcal disease outbreak
Learn more about who should get meningococcal vaccines.
Meningococcal vaccines are safe but side effects can occur
About half of people who get a MenACWY vaccine have mild problems following vaccination:
- Redness or pain where they got the shot
- Fever
These reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days, but serious reactions are possible.
Following MenB vaccination, more than half of people who get the vaccine will have mild problems:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where they got the shot
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or diarrhea
These reactions usually get better on their own within 3 to 7 days, but serious reactions are possible.
- Meningococcal Communication and Print Resources
- Meningococcal vaccination information
- What everyone should know
- Information for healthcare professionals
- Vaccination coverage: TeenVaxView for MenACWY Data
- Vaccination schedules (parent-friendly)
- Vaccines for Children program
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Meningococcal Vaccination for Preteens and Teens: For Parents
- Meningococcal Vaccines
- MenACWY Vaccines
- MenB Vaccines
CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens.
All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a single dose of a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years. The booster dose provides protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Teens and young adults (16 through 23 year olds) also may receive a serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine. The preferred age to get MenB vaccine is 16 through 18 years old. Talk with your teen’s doctor about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.
Meningococcal Vaccines
Preteens and teens are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious illness.
Meningococcal disease can be devastating and often—and unexpectedly—strikes otherwise healthy people. Although meningococcal disease is uncommon, teens and young adults 16 through 23 years old are at increased risk. Meningococcal bacteria can cause severe, even deadly, infections like
- Meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- Bacteremia or septicemia (bloodstream infections)
About 1 in 5 people who survive their meningococcal infection have permanent disabilities.
There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. Each type helps protect your child against different serogroups (strains) of meningococcal disease.
MenACWY vaccines provide protection against 4 serogroups: A, C, W, and Y. MenB vaccines provide protection against serogroup B. Currently no meningococcal vaccine offers protection against these 5 serogroups in 1 shot.
Your child can get MenACWY and MenB vaccines at the same time.
Your child’s doctor can give both types of meningococcal vaccines during the same visit, but preferably in different arms. If you choose for your child to get a MenB vaccine, the preferred timing is between 16 and 18 years old. So it’s possible your child will get this vaccine and the MenACWY booster dose at the same visit.
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MenACWY Vaccines
A MenACWY booster shot helps protect your teen during the ages they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.
Protection from a single dose of MenACWY vaccine declines in most teens within 5 years.
Teens need a booster dose at age 16 years to provide protection during the ages when they are at highest risk.
Many colleges require proof of MenACWY vaccination within 5 years before starting school.
Regardless of school requirements, CDC recommends a booster dose for all teens who received the first dose before their 16th birthday. The booster dose provides the best protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk. Teens who receive their first MenACWY vaccine dose at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
MenACWY vaccines are safe. However, as with any vaccine, side effects can occur.
About half of the people who get a MenACWY vaccine have mild problems following vaccination, such as:
- Redness where the shot was given
- Soreness where the shot was given
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Feeling tired
If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days.
Serious reactions are possible, but rare.
CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines, including MenACWY vaccines. For more information, view the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Information Statement.
It does not matter which brand of MenACWY vaccine your child receives.
CDC has no preference as to which brand (Menactra®, Menveo®, or MenQuadfi®) of a MenACWY vaccine your child receives.
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MenB Vaccines
There are many ways to find a MenB vaccine provider near you.
Your child’s doctor may already have these vaccines in their office. College health centers or pharmacies may also have them available.
If you’re interested in having your child vaccinated with a MenB vaccine, talk to your child’s doctor.
CDC does not routinely recommend a MenB vaccine for all teens and young adults. However, all teens may get vaccinated, preferably at 16 to 18 years old.
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare.
Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. colleges during the past decade. CDC’s current recommendation gives people access to MenB vaccines to help prevent this uncommon, but serious illness. However, doctors and parents should discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination. Available data suggest these vaccines are safe and provide protection, but that protection decreases fairly quickly after vaccination.
MenB vaccines are safe. However, as with any vaccine, side effects can occur.
Available data suggest that MenB vaccines are safe. More than half of the people who get a MenB vaccine have mild problems following vaccination:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Feeling tired (fatigue)
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or diarrhea
If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 3 to 5 days. Serious reactions are possible, but rare.
Teens are more likely to have side effects after MenB vaccination compared to other vaccines given to preteens and teens. Those other vaccines include HPV, MenACWY, and Tdap vaccines.
CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines, including MenB vaccines. For more information, view the Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Information Statement.
Most health insurance plans pay for MenB vaccination for teens and young adults.
Most health plans must cover CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs if an in-network healthcare provider administers the vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to you for this vaccine.
The Vaccines for Children, or VFC, program provides vaccines for children 18 years old and younger who are
- Not insured
- Medicaid-eligible
- American Indian or Alaska Native
Parents can find a VFC provider by contacting their local health department. VFC will cover the cost of MenB vaccination for those
- 16 through 18 years old
- 10 through 18 years old at increased risk due to a medical condition
- 10 through 18 years old identified as being at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak
It does not matter which brand of a MenB vaccine your child receives.

CDC has no preference as to which brand (Bexsero® or Trumenba®) of MenB vaccine your child receives. Both brands require multiple doses. People must get the same vaccine brand for all doses.
MenB vaccines are administered as a 2- or 3-dose series.
Both MenB vaccines require more than 1 dose for maximum protection.
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Meningococcal Vaccination of Adolescents: Information for Healthcare Professionals
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Vaccination against meningococcal infection (Menactra) (single)
Vaccination of children and adults against meningococcal infection with Menactra® (Menactra).
Before vaccination, it is necessary to undergo a preventive examination by a doctor. Inspection is paid additionally.
Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Severe meningitis can cause deafness, mental disorders, paralysis, and disability. The only way to prevent severe forms of meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is timely vaccination.
Menactra vaccine is designed to protect against infections caused by four groups of Neisseria meningitidis: A, C, W-135 and Y. The vaccine is non-live, consists of a solution of purified meningococcal polysaccharides coupled with diphtheria toxoid.
The vaccine is intended for infants from 9 months of age and adults up to 55 years of age.
Vaccine Efficacy
Menactra Adult and Children’s Vaccine is a safe, purified product that is developed to strict vaccine manufacturing and storage standards.
One of the main advantages of the Menactra vaccine is its comprehensive protection against several of the most common types of meningococcus at once. The ability of “Menactra” to induce the development of immunological memory after primary vaccination is confirmed by data from clinical studies in both children and adults. The formation of such an immune response significantly reduces the risk of meningococcal infection.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is determined by the presence of bactericidal antibodies.
Studies have shown that more than 90% of those vaccinated form an adequate immune response against meningococcus 7-10 days after immunization. Immunity after vaccination lasts an average of 5 years.
Vaccination
Duration of vaccination depends on age:
- for children aged 9 months to 2 years, the course includes the introduction of 2 injections of 1 dose of vaccine (0.5 ml). The injection interval is at least 3 months.
- children from two years of age and adults the vaccine is administered once at a dose of 0.5 ml.
The site of administration of the vaccine is also chosen taking into account age:
- for children aged 9 to 12 months, the vaccine is administered in the anterolateral region of the thigh;
- children over 1 year old and adults – in the deltoid muscle of the shoulder.
Do not administer the vaccine subcutaneously or intravenously.
If the risk of meningococcal infection persists, a single revaccination can be carried out if at least 4 years have passed since the previous dose.
In childhood and adolescence, revaccination is recommended in case of a sharp change in the team (change of educational institution, military service, living in a hostel, etc.).
Children and adults are examined by a pediatrician or general practitioner prior to vaccination to obtain approval for vaccination. This is necessary to exclude an acute illness or other contraindications. Thermometry is mandatory, as well as an objective examination of organs and systems.
Side effects
In rare cases, the vaccine may cause a number of adverse reactions. The nature and frequency of side effects identified in the studies varied depending on the age of the vaccinated.
Adverse reactions in children 9 to 18 months:
- Loss of appetite;
- Drowsiness;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Rash;
- Urticaria;
- Arthralgia;
- Soreness and induration at injection site;
- Irritability, redness at the injection site, swelling at the injection site, fever.

Adverse reactions in children aged 2 to 10 years:
- Decreased appetite;
- Drowsiness;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Rash, urticaria;
- Arthralgia;
- Soreness and induration at injection site;
- Irritability, redness at the injection site, swelling at the injection site, fever.
Adverse reactions in adolescents 11 to 18 years of age and adults over 18 years of age:
- Decreased appetite;
- Headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Rash;
- Arthralgia;
- Pain, induration, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, general malaise;
- Chills, fever.
Special instructions
- In persons with impaired blood coagulation, the possible risks of bleeding should be assessed when administering the vaccine.
- People diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome have an increased risk of exacerbation of the disease after the vaccine is given.
The decision on the possibility of using the Menactra vaccine in this case is made by the doctor. - The vaccine is not indicated for the prevention of meningitis caused by other bacteria and for the prevention of meningococcal disease caused by type B meningococci.
- Individuals who are immunocompromised may develop a reduced immune response after vaccine administration.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant and lactating women should only be vaccinated if absolutely necessary: eg during a meningococcal outbreak or before traveling to an endemic area.
Obligatory consultation of the attending physician is required for admission to vaccination.
Interactions with other vaccines
- Menactra can be administered with any other vaccines from the National Immunization Schedule, except BCG (tuberculosis vaccine).
- Children who are splenic and HIV-infected should not receive Menactra vaccine at the same time as pneumococcal vaccine.
Vaccination is carried out in different months to form adequate protection. - When two or more vaccines are administered on the same day, the drugs are injected into different parts of the body with different syringes.
Indications for examination
Prevention of infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, Y and W-135 in people aged 9 months to 55 years.
In particular, the following groups are recommended to be vaccinated:
- children under 5 years old attending kindergarten;
- travelers and people who travel frequently on business trips;
- persons in contact with patients;
- people with immunodeficiency conditions;
- persons with chronic diseases of the spleen or its absence;
- medical workers and other persons who are in the focus of infection (children’s preschool institutions, barracks, hostels).
Examination preparation
No special preparation required.
ᐈ Menactra ~【Vaccination against meningococcal infection in Kyiv】
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Menactra is a meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in combination with diphtheria toxoid. The Menactra vaccine (Kyiv, MEDICOM) will help to avoid purulent meningitis, sepsis, meningoencephalitis, multiple organ failure and other severe lesions caused by meningococcus and their consequences.
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How can you get meningitis?
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Meningococcus is transmitted by aerosol or direct contact through the respiratory secretions of sick people, as well as from healthy carriers.
Infection can lead to both normal carriage and serious damage to vital organs. The purpose of the vaccine is to prevent diseases caused by meningococcus serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135, but does not protect against serogroup B.
Meningococcal carriers are common among adolescents and young adults.
The transition from asymptomatic carriage to the disease occurs under the influence of a number of factors:
- bacterial virulence;
- states of immunity;
- connecting viral infection;
- changes in climatic conditions;
- dusty, etc.
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What disease does Menactra protect against?
Meningococcal disease is an acute, severe infectious disease. Its causative agent is a bacterium with 13 serogroups.
Menactra vaccine protects against several meningococcal infections:
- nasopharyngitis;
- meningitis;
- meningoencephalitis;
- meningococcemia (or, as it is also called, meningococcal sepsis).
Meningococcus causes infection of the lungs, joints, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and eyes.
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Meningococcal symptoms:
- increase in body temperature up to 37.5-38.0 ° C;
- sore throat;
- painful sensations when swallowing;
- headache;
- nasal congestion;
- lethargy;
- adynamia;
- decrease or loss of appetite.

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The throat becomes edematous and hyperemic, sometimes there are convulsions, a specific rash, hemorrhagic elements of purple-red color with a bluish tint.
Despite early diagnosis and treatment, up to 15% of patients die within the first two days, and without treatment – up to 50%. After the disease, patients receive severe complications in the form of hearing loss, brain damage, mental disorders, paralysis, epileptic seizures. Significant tissue necrosis can lead to disability.
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When should I get the Menactra vaccination?
Maternal antibodies to meningococcus, which are passively passed on to the child, protect only during the first months of life. At an older age, the child becomes completely defenseless against meningitis.
Menactra: indications
Meningitis vaccination is indicated for children from 9 months. and adults under 55. The main risk group for meningococcal infection is children under 5 years of age.
Worth getting vaccinated:
- children from 1.5 to 5 years old who go to preschool;
- persons who often go on business trips and travel a lot;
- for those who are undergoing a medical examination for a visa to the United States, as well as for travel abroad;
- persons in contact with the patient;
- immunocompromised persons;
- patients with disorders of the spleen / asplenia;
- to everyone who stays at the site of the outbreak in children’s groups, among students, conscripts, etc.
Vaccination against meningococcal infection is indicated for pregnant women only in situations of urgent need: due to an outbreak of meningitis, travel to dangerous areas, direct contact with a sick person, etc. In each case, the doctor makes his own decision about vaccination.
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Menactra: contraindications
Contraindications for vaccination:
- acute infectious diseases;
- hypersensitivity to the active and excipients of the vaccine;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.

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How to prepare for the Menactra vaccination?
Preparation for vaccination “Menactra” includes a mandatory visit to a pediatrician or therapist, who study the anamnesis and vaccination card, analyze the possibility of complications and existing contraindications. After the examination, an infectious disease consultation may be recommended.
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How is Menactra vaccination carried out (Kyiv, MEDICOM)?
The Menactra vaccine is given exclusively intramuscularly in a volume of 0.5 ml. It is important to take into account the age of the person who came for vaccination, the presence of contraindications and the possibility of complications.
For children under one year old, the Menactra vaccine is injected into the anterolateral part of the thigh, for everyone else – into the shoulder.
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Menactra: vaccination schedule
Vaccinations are given according to the following scheme:
- age from 9 to 23 months.
– the vaccine is administered twice by 0.5 ml with an interval of 3 (or more) months; - age from 2 years to 55 years – the vaccine is administered once in a volume of 0.5 ml.
Meningococcal vaccine “Menactra” is combined with other vaccines in the vaccination schedule, except for tuberculosis vaccine. In this case, the drugs are injected into different parts of the body.
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In children under 2 years of age, Menactra can be used in conjunction with other prophylactic vaccines against:
- Corey
- Chicken pox
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Pneumococcal infection
- Hepatitis A
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“Menactra”: side effects
The nature and frequency of manifestation of adverse reactions depends on the age of the vaccinated. Infants up to a year old may experience slight sensitivity and soreness at the vaccination site, loss of appetite, frequent crying, and fever.
In children from 2 to 10 years old with the listed manifestations, redness at the injection site, dyspeptic symptoms, irritability, drowsiness, loss of appetite, anorexia, rash can be observed.
The following side effects may also occur at any age:
- arthralgia;
- headache;
- irritability;
- pain, tenderness at injection site;
- diarrhea, vomiting;
- allergic dermatitis;
- weakness, malaise, fatigue;
- temperature increase.
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Benefits of Menactra
This vaccine provides protection against A, C, Y and W meningococci. The Menactra vaccine for adults and children is a safe, chemically purified drug that minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and complications. The drug is being developed in strict accordance with the general technical limitations regarding the production and storage of the vaccine.
Menactra is vaccinated with a drug manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
, USA, which is used in almost all countries of the world.
“Menactra” ensures the formation of stable immunity and cellular memory, preventing the development of meningitis over the next 5 years.
Vaccination “Menactra” not only protects against meningococcal infection, but also temporarily restores defects in the immune status of the vaccinated. This leads to a decrease in the frequency of exacerbations of comorbidities and the addition of respiratory infections.
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Advantages of Menactra vaccination in MEDIKOM
Do not know where to get vaccinated against meningococcal infection in Kyiv? The best general practitioners, pediatricians and infectious disease specialists of our clinic are waiting for you.
Our advantages:
- Highly qualified staff.
- Convenient location of branches (Obolon and Pechersk districts).
- Meningococcal vaccine is intended for vaccination of children and adults.
- Adaptation of Sanofi Pasteur vaccination to the vaccination schedule.

- Exceptionally positive reviews of our patients about the Menactra vaccination.
- Compliance of the drug with all quality requirements.
- Affordable cost of the vaccine.
- Separate entrance to the clinic for vaccinations.
In our clinic you can also get vaccinated with Nimenrix, the Belgian equivalent of Menactra.
You can get acquainted with the conditions for the provision of vaccination services at link.
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Doctors
Menactra vaccination can be done in Kyiv in a large medical center of the city – the MEDICOM clinic. Before vaccination with the Sanofi Pasteur meningococcal vaccine, the clients of our clinic undergo all the necessary examinations. You can find out more about the Menactra vaccine, the price of the drug, which meningococcal serotypes the vaccine protects against, and whether complications are possible by calling the numbers listed on the clinic’s website.
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The cost of vaccination “Menactra”
For services marked with an asterisk *, the regular customer discount of 10% and 15% does not apply.
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Procedures/Manipulations
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Licenses and certificates
Reviews
03.12.2020 15:25
Olga Filimonova
Menaktra cannot be found in public hospitals now. Thanks to the clinic for being able to vaccinate you without any problems. Thanks for taking care of me!
08.10.2020 16:01
Vlada P
We were advised to vaccinate against meningitis by pediatrician T.G. Starunov. Thank you very much for what ocreme. Sposterіgaєmosya at the same doctor from the very people. Chuyny and miracle doctor. We suggest that you put all the chips at once, but, unfortunately, don’t have to go out. I am terribly afraid of Meningitus. I suddenly think that it’s impossible for me to dress again if I’m sick.
About splitting: analyzes of the minimum (shelter) plus a look at the doctor. The chips were transferred painlessly, everything is fine. Thank you doctor and clinic!
08/15/2020 08:38
Tetyana Pichurina
Do not risk your health and the health of your children! Tim more, scho є clinics, where you can without problems splinting in meningitis! I know two have been ill with my ailment. For one, everything ended more or less normally, but for a friend, the girl is now alive with bewilderment.
29.06.2020 21:29
Elvira
Cleavage from meningitis caused synovia in 2 years and 9 months. Later, I called the clinic, found out that I had a vaccine and signed up for a consultation. Before the speech, in the family doctor’s clinic, she could not achieve anything, there were no vaccines, and that’s all. Pediatrician of the clinic Gancheva E.A. she lost only garni of hostility about herself. She looked at her son, twisted the chip card and gave permission for vaccination.
There were no complications after the procedure. I will say one thing: do not risk the health of your children!
12.06.2020 15:45
Natalya Bondarenko
I had meningitis 20 years ago, when I was 15 years old. The disease was very difficult, accompanied by swelling of the brain. Worst pains. Doctors could not make a diagnosis for several days. Surprisingly, everything more or less worked out. I vaccinate my children strictly according to the calendar. I definitely consider it necessary to be vaccinated against meningitis and pneumococcal infection. I thank the clinic for the opportunity to keep my children healthy!
04/08/2020 19:17
Nika M
I have never risked the health of my children. I don’t understand anti-vaxxers at all. Despite the fact that Menactra is not included in the vaccination schedule, I believe that this is a life-saving vaccine. By the way, our pediatrician Yu.V. Lysak fully supported me. In this clinic, she began to be observed during pregnancy, so after the appearance of her daughter, she remained.
Thanks to the clinic for the adequacy, availability of diagnostics, for the availability of various vaccinations.
02.03.2020 14:03
Olga Z
I never really thought about meningitis. Of course I knew that there was such a dangerous disease, but somewhere outside my life. Recently, a child died in the kindergarten where my daughter goes. Very quickly and unexpectedly, literally in a day. We were told that it was meningitis of some kind of rapid form. Parents called an ambulance late and they simply did not have time to do anything. That’s when I thought that the tragedy could have been avoided if my parents had been vaccinated against meningitis. Unfortunately, vaccination cannot be given in ordinary hospitals, as it is not included in the vaccination schedule. We turned to this clinic for a consultation and we were immediately booked for an appointment with Tymchuk N.V. After examining the child and a blood test, we were sent for vaccination. Everything is fast, simple and affordable.


The decision on the possibility of using the Menactra vaccine in this case is made by the doctor.
Vaccination is carried out in different months to form adequate protection.

