Mencevax ACWY

Details

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Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (group A, C, Y, and W 135 Combined) is used to prevent Meningococcal disease which is caused by a strain of bacteria called Neisseria Meningitidis. It is available under the brand names Mencevax ACWY and Menveo all over the world

Purpose:

• Prevents inflammation of the spinal cord and lining of the brain.
• Mencevax ACWY prevents Meningococcal B Strain.
• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (group A, C, Y, and W 135 Combined) is also meant for military recruits, people with the missing or damaged spleen, or people with certain immune disorders.

 

Mechanism:

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (group A, C, Y, and W 135 Combined) is injected directly into the muscle. It does not contain any live microbe but a weakened version of Meningococcal bacteria that could not harm the body in any way. It simply activates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the infection to protect us in the future.

 

Dosage:

• Menveo is supplied as a lyophilized vaccine.
• Teens are at a higher risk of developing Meningococcal disease and hence this vaccine is meant for people of age 11-18 years.
• The recommended age is 11 years for the first dose.
• The second dose of the vaccine can be administered at the age of 16.

 

Side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Arm pain
• Vomiting
• Serious side effects of this vaccine include hives, paleness, wheezing, fast heartbeat, trouble in breathing among others. If any of these signs appear, take your child to the doctor immediately.
• Guillain-Barre is a severe and rare nervous system syndrome that is very unlikely to develop but has been established to occur in a few patients who have been vaccinated with Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (group A, C, Y, and W 135 Combined).

 

Precautions and measures:

• Always shake the syringe well before use.
• Do not mix this vaccine with the syringe of any other vaccine.
• Caps of prefilled syringes contain rubber latex, which can be a source of an allergic reaction.
• Pregnant women should get Mencevax ACWY only if they are likely to be exposed to Meningococcal disease or have certain immune problems.
• Children below the age of 2 years should only be injected with this vaccine under the guidance of the doctor.
• This vaccine has not been evaluated for mutagenic or carcinogenic potential or impairment of fertility.

 

Interactions:

Mencevax ACWY should not be used on patients having a history of Anaphylaxis or people who have had any serious reactions or allergy to any of the components present in this vaccine previously.