Meningococcal polysaccharide - ma-nin-ja-KOK-kal pol-i-SAK-ka-ryd vaccine is an active immunizing agent using to prevent infection by certain groups of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection - antibodies against the disease.
The following information applies only to the meningococcal vaccine using for meningococcal bacteria Groups A, C, Y and W-135. These groups cause approximately 50% of meningococcal meningitis cases in the USA The vaccine will not protect against infection causing by other meningococcal bacteria groups, such as Group B.
Meningococcal infection can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningococcal meningitis, which effects the brain and meningococcemia, which effects the blood. Some people with meningococcal meningitis andmeningococcemia also may die. These diseases are more likely to occur in young children and in people with certain diseases or conditions that make them more susceptible to a meningococcal infection or more likely to develop serious problems from a meningococcal infection.
Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for people 2 years of age or older who are at risk of getting the disease because:
Usually a person needs to receive meningococcal vaccine only once. However, additional injections may be needed for young children who remain at high risk for meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is to be aplaying only by or under the supervision of your family doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada