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Menomune™ - Meningococcal Vaccine

(groups A, C, Y and W-135 polysaccharide)

What is meningococcal disease?

• Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a

   bacteria. It can produce an infection of the blood or an

   infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord

   (meningitis).
• Meningococcal disease is spread by nasal droplets and

   throat secretions.
• Between 5 and 15% of people who get this disease will

   die; 25% of these deaths are in children.

What does meningococcal vaccine contain?

• Meningococcal vaccine contains lactose; the multidose vial

   also contains thimerosal.
• The stopper of meningococcal vaccine and meningococcal

   diluent contains latex.

Who should receive the vaccine?

• Travellers (ages two years and older) to countries where

   there is a high risk.
• Close contacts of cases of meningococcal disease.
• People aged two years and older who have no spleen or

   who have a damaged spleen or certain medical

   conditions.
• College freshmen who live in dorms.
• Lab personnel who are routinely exposed to isolates of N.

   meningitides for outbreak control.
• Safety and effectiveness in children under two years is

   unknown, however vaccine may be indicated in some

   situations.

Who should not receive the vaccine?

• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to

   any component of the vaccine.
• Use with caution in breastfeeding women.
• People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay

   immunization.

When should the vaccine be given?

• At least two weeks before international travel.
• Two doses 2 to 3 months apart, for travellers 3 to 23

   months.
• One dose for people 2 years and older.
• At least 10 to 14 days before removal of spleen.
• May be safely given with other vaccines.

How is the vaccine given?

• By injection into the fatty layer beneath the skin.

How effective is the vaccine?

• Over 85% of people 10 years and older are protected.

How long does the protection last?

• Depends upon age; discuss with the Public Health Nurse.

What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?

• Pain or redness (about 40%)
• Headache (5%)
• Achiness (2-3%)
• Chills (2%)
• Fever (3-4%)

Call the number below if you have severe or unusual reactions.

For more information contact Public Health Services at (306) 655-4780.

Your immunization information will be recorded in a computerized system known as the Saskatchewan Immunization Management System (SIMS).

Information collected in SIMS may be used to:

• manage immunization records
• notify you if you or your child needs an immunization
• and monitor how well vaccines work in preventing vaccine preventable diseases.

Your immunization record may also be shared with health care professionals in order to provide public health services; assist with diagnosis and treatment; and to control the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.

© 2008, Saskatoon Health Region.  Reproduced only by permission.

(updated February 19, 2009)