Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine

The U.S. FDA-approved Menactra® contains N meningitidis serogroup 8 A, C, Y, and W-135 capsular polysaccharide antigens individually conjugated to diphtheria toxoid 9 protein. N meningitidis A, C, Y, and W-135 strains are cultured on Mueller Hinton agar and ten grown in Watson Scherp media containing casamino acid.

Vaccines can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria., says the U.S. CDC.

Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur Inc. STN/BL: 125089

Menactra Indication

Menactra® is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menactra vaccine is approved for use in individuals nine months through 55. Menactra vaccine does not prevent N meningitidis serogroup B disease.

Menactra is contraindicated in persons who have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of a meningococcal capsular polysaccharide-, diphtheria toxoid-, or CRM197-containing vaccine or to any component of the vaccine.

Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) may be at increased risk of GBS after receiving Menactra. In addition, GBS has been reported in temporal relationships following the administration of Menactra. Therefore, giving Menactra should be based on carefully considering the potential benefits and risks.

Menactra Dosage

The U.S. CDC's ACIP recommends that 16-year-old adolescents receive the 2nd dose of MenACWY. Primary Vaccination: Children 9 months through 23 months of age: Two doses, three months apart. Individuals 2 through 55 years of age: A single dose. Booster Vaccination: A single booster dose may be given to individuals 15 through 55 at continued risk for meningococcal disease if at least four years have elapsed since the last dose.

Meningococcal News

August 18, 2022 - Florida has recorded 50 cases of meningococcal disease so far this year. The case fatality in Florida is 25%, and 1 in 4 people diagnosed have died from this disease.

April 27, 2018 - U.S. FDA Supplemental Approval letter.

Menactra Clinical Trials

Sanofi's Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine has been involved in over 40 clinical trials to determine safety and immunogenicity.