MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS VACCINE: Menactra

• Meningococcal disease begins with symptoms like high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and other symptoms that can be confused with flu symptoms. If not diagnosed and treated quickly (literally within hours), it is potentially life threatening.

• The organisms are spread from person to person by exchange of respiratory and throat secretions - by coughing or kissing. The close contact of dormitory-style or other relatively isolated living communities may play a role.

• Behaviors such as active and passive smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to put individuals at higher risk for meningococcal disease.

• This vaccine DOES NOT cover Group B serotype.

• Immunization should be deferred during the course of any acute illness.

• Pregnant women should not be immunized since effects of vaccine on the fetus are unknown.

• It is a contraindication to administer Menactra groups A/C/Y/W-135 to individuals known to be sensitive to diptheria or any other component of the vaccine, or with a history of latex allergy.

• Adverse reactions to meningococcal vaccine are mild and infrequent, consisting of localized redness and swelling lasting 1-2 days.

• As with the administration of any vaccine, there is a possibility of allergic reactions.