How does it work?

This vaccine contains extracts of meningococcal bacteria types A, C, W and Y. It stimulates the body's immune response, without causing the disease. When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise and attack any future infection with the same organism. This is known as immunity. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease. This meningococcal vaccine provides immunity against meningitis caused by group A, C, W and Y meningococcal bacteria. This vaccine is not given routinely. It is only given to people who are at high risk of contracting the disease, such as people living in or travelling to high risk areas, and close contacts of meningitis victims. It is given to groups of people in the area of a local outbreak to prevent the spread of infection. One dose provides protection against infection in 90% of older children and adults in two to three weeks. Immunity lasts for five years in adults and children over five years, after which a booster dose may be required. Children under five should be considered for a booster two to three years after vaccination, if they are still at high risk of contracting the disease.

What is it used for?

Vaccination against meningitis caused by groups A, C, W and Y meningococci

Warning!

Individuals who have a suppressed immune system, for example due to disease such as HIV infection, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine and additional doses may be required.

This vaccine is not suitable for preventing group C meningitis in children under two years of age, as it does not produce a protective immune response in this age group. It does produce protection against groups A,W and Y meningitis in children under two, but this is likely to be short-lived and unreliable.

Not to be used in

Babies under 2 months of age

Feverish conditions

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.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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.

Headache

Fatigue

Fever (pyrexia)

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Sleepiness (somnolence)

Pain, swelling, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site

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?

There are no reported interactions with this vaccine.

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