Menitorix
How does it work?
Menitorix is a combination meningitis C and Hib vaccine. It contains extracts of the bacteria that cause meningitis C and extracts of the Hib bacteria, which can also cause meningitis, as well as other serious diseases such as pneumonia and blood poisoning. The vaccine works by provoking the body's immune response to the bacteria, without causing the diseases.
When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system produces antibodies against them. Antibodies help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. They then remain in the body to help protect the body against future infections with the same organism. This is known as active immunity.
The immune system produces different antibodies for each foreign organism it encounters. This establishes a pool of antibodies that helps protect the body from various different diseases.
Vaccines contain extracts or inactivated forms of bacteria or viruses that cause disease. These altered forms of the organisms stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against them, but don't actually cause disease themselves. The antibodies produced remain in the body so that if the organism is encountered naturally, the immune system can recognise it and attack it, thus preventing it from causing disease.
Each bacteria or virus stimulates the immune system to produce a specific type of antibody. This means that different vaccines are needed to prevent different diseases.
Menitorix contains inactivated extracts from the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria and the Neisseria meningitidis group C bacteria. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against these bacteria. It is given to prevent diseases caused by these types of bacteria, in particular meningitis.
Menitorix is given as a booster vaccine against meningitis C and Hib as part of the childhood immunisation schedule. It is given to babies at 12 months of age, who will previously have had three primary doses of men C and Hib vaccine.
The injection is given into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
What is it used for?
Warning!
Use with caution in
Not to be used in
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
This vaccine is not known to affect other medicines.
When other vaccines are given at the same time, they should be given at a different injection site.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved 
Font size
Mail
My account
Help
Community
Print now
Send to a friend
Related articles
Related products
