Meningococcal Vaccine Acyw-135

What it is and how it works

Contains capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135, either as plain polysaccharides or conjugated to a carrier protein (tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid or CRM197). It induces serogroup-specific bactericidal antibodies; conjugate vaccines also induce T-cell-dependent responses and immunological memory.

Indications

Active immunisation against invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y, including travellers to endemic areas and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, people with asplenia or complement deficiency, laboratory workers, close contacts of cases and in outbreak control.

Dosage and administration (summary)

A single 0.5 mL dose by intramuscular injection (conjugate vaccines) or by subcutaneous/intramuscular injection (polysaccharide vaccines); booster doses depend on age, vaccine type and continuing risk.

Contraindications

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

Warnings and precautions

Appropriate treatment for anaphylaxis should be available; syncope may occur after vaccination. Plain polysaccharide vaccines are poorly immunogenic in children under 2 years and do not induce immunological memory; repeated doses may cause hyporesponsiveness. Does not protect against serogroup B or other serogroups and does not replace routine tetanus or diphtheria immunisation.

Pregnancy

May be given in pregnancy when there is a significant risk of meningococcal disease.

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.