Menactra® helps protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)

Menactra® is a vaccine used to help prevent invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135) in people 9 months to 55 years old.

Learn more about invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD)

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Being a teen or young adult is a risk factor for IMD

Young adults are one of the most at-risk groups when it comes to invasive meningococcal disease.

Other risk factors include:

· Close direct contact with others

· Contact with infected saliva

· Spending time in crowded areas, like dorms

Student life is more complicated than ever. A vaccine to help protect against IMD is not.

The Menactra® vaccine is a simple precaution that provides protection against 4 strains of IMD (A, C, Y and W-135).

Menactra® helps protect against IMD

Menactra® helps your body to produce its own natural protection against four strains of Neisseria meningitidis that cause IMD.

Ask your healthcare provider about Menactra® —15+ years’ experience.

Possible side effects to know about

A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of Menactra® causing serious harm is extremely small. The small risks associated with Menactra® are much less than the risks associated with getting the disease.

Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well after having Menactra®.

Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Some people who receive Menactra® may have side effects such as redness or pain at the site of injection, headache or fever, that in majority are mild in intensity.

Common side effects in infants include:

  • fever

  • increased crying

  • increased fussiness

  • vomiting

  • drowsiness

  • loss of appetite

These side effects usually go away within a few days. This is not a complete list of side effects.

For any unexpected effects while taking Menactra®, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask your healthcare practitioner about the
Menactra® vaccine

Use the following questions to find out more from your doctor or pharmacist:

  • Am I at risk for IMD? If so, what should I do?
  • What are my options to help prevent IMD as a teen or young adult?
  • What are my options to help prevent IMD in my child?

 

More information

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About IMD: For teens and young adults

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About IMD: For parents

    Indication and safety information:

    Menactra® is a vaccine that is used to prevent meningococcal diseases and/or septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135). This vaccine may be given to persons 9 months through 55 years of age. Menactra® is not indicated for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B. Menactra® is not to be used for the treatment of invasive meningococcal disease, and cannot prevent complications or death after the onset of the disease. Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) may be at increased risk of GBS after receiving Menactra®. Persons with an allergy to any component of the vaccine or the container should not receive the vaccine. As with any vaccine, Menactra® may not protect 100% of vaccinated individuals. Adverse reactions and side effects may occur. The most common side effects in adolescents and adults (11-55 years old) were pain, induration, redness and swelling at the injection site, and headache, fatigue and malaise. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Menactra® is right for you or a family member. For more information, visit www.sanofi.ca.