About Menactra
New Vaccine Menactra is Now Available at the
Island Coast Pediatrics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently added the recommendation of giving Menactra, the meningococcal vaccine, at 11 years old.
Meningococcal (ME-NING-GO-KOK-AL) disease is a serious bacterial infection. It can cause meningitis, a severe swelling of the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to sepsis, a dangerous and potentially life threatening blood infection. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are spread through air droplets (e.g. coughing, sneezing) and by direct contact with an infected person (e.g. Kissing, sharing a drinking glass).
Many people think that meningococcal disease is only a problem on college campuses. But what you need to know is that adolescents in high school are also at increased danger from this serious and potentially life threatening infection.
Although there has been a meningococcal vaccine (Menomune) available since the seventy’s, it was not very popular because its protection did not last very long. It was commonly given for those who were about to go to college / boot camp where there would be exposure to a greater number of people. Fortunately, with the new Menactra, it is expected to offer better and longer lasting protection. Hence, the new recommended age of administration.
Read more about Meningococcal Vaccines (What you need to know) from CDC
Read more about the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsement
CDC and FDA Issue Alert on Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine and Guillain Barre Syndrome