Meningococcal Polysaccharides Diphtheria

Indications
Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y, and W-135) Meningococcal Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitides serogroups A, C, Y and W -135.
It is approved for use in individuals 9 months through 55 years of age. This vaccine is not indicated for the prevention of meningitis caused by other microorganisms or disease caused by N meningitides serogroup B.

Protective antibody levels may be achieved within 7 to 10 days after vaccination.

Dosage and route of administration
It should be administered as a single 0.5-ml injection by the intramuscular route, preferably in the anterolateral thigh or deltoid region, depending on the recipient’s age and muscle mass.
In children 9 through 23 months of age, is given as a 2-dose series at least 3 months apart. Individuals 2 through 55 years of age receive a single dose.
A single booster dose may be given to individuals 15 through 55 years of age at continued risk for Meningococcal disease if at least 4 to 6 years have elapsed since the prior dose.

Routine vaccination is recommended for the following high-risk groups
• Deficiencies in late Complement components (C3. C5-C9) immunity
• Absence of normal spleen function
• Persons with laboratory or industrial exposure to N meningitides aerosols.
• Travelers to, and residents of, hyperemic areas such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity
• Guillain Barre Syndrome
• Febrile or acute disease

Warnings and precautions
• Thrombocytopenia
• Altered immunocompetence
• Pregnancy: vaccinate if only needed after doctor consultation (category- c)
• Nursing Mother It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this vaccine is administered to a nursing woman.
• Pediatric and geriatric use: Safety and effectiveness of vaccine in infants below 9 months of age and adults older than 55 years have not been established yet.

Adverse reactions
• Mild pain and redness at the site of infection for 1 to 2 days
• Tenderness
• Pain transient fever might develop in less than or equal to 2% of young children.