Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine A,c,y,w,x

What it is and how it works

Contains capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W, Y and X, each conjugated to a carrier protein (tetanus toxoid or CRM197). Conjugation produces a T-cell-dependent immune response with bactericidal antibodies and immunological memory, including in young children.

Indications

Active immunisation against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, Y and X, particularly in the African meningitis belt and other at-risk settings, in the age groups approved for the product.

Dosage and administration (summary)

A single 0.5 mL dose by intramuscular injection in eligible age groups, according to WHO and national recommendations.

Contraindications

Severe hypersensitivity to any component, including the carrier proteins, or a severe reaction to a previous dose; postpone in acute severe febrile illness.

Warnings and precautions

Appropriate treatment for anaphylaxis should be available. Protects only against the included serogroups and does not replace routine tetanus immunisation. Give with caution to patients with thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders; immune response may be reduced in immunosuppressed patients.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–8 °C; do not freeze; protect from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.