What is Menactra: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Menactra overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Menactra

Generic Names:

  • Menactra

Uses:

  • Prevents meningitis (meningococcal infection).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vaccine

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Menactra used for?

What form(s) does Menactra come in

  • Injectable

What are common Menactra doses?

  • Vial 0.5ML of

Common Menactra prescriptions

  • Menactra
    0.5ml of vial

How to take Menactra

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give this vaccine as a shot into a muscle.

  • Adults and children older than 2 years of age usually receive this vaccine just once. Children younger of 2 years of age will need repeat shots.

  • It is very important for your child to receive all of the shots for the vaccine. If your child misses a dose, call your child€™s doctor for another appointment.

  • You should receive a vaccine information statement. Read the information carefully before this vaccine is given. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • Adults and children older than 2 years of age usually receive this vaccine just once. Children younger of 2 years of age will need repeat shots.

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give this vaccine as a shot into a muscle.

  • You should receive a vaccine information statement. Read the information carefully before this vaccine is given. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

  • It is very important for your child to receive all of the shots for the vaccine. If your child misses a dose, call your child€™s doctor for another appointment.

What to do if you miss a dose of Menactra

Menactra contraindications

  • This vaccine may not be right for everyone. You should not receive this vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to meningococcal or diphtheria vaccines.

Menactra warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a weak immune system, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

  • This vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it.

  • This vaccine may cause the following problems:Apnea (breathing problems) in premature infantsGuillain-Barré syndrome

  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially in the legs

Menactra interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as cancer medicines, radiation treatment, or steroids.

  • Tell your doctor about all other vaccines you have recently received, including a flu shot.

  • This vaccine may cause the following problems:Apnea (breathing problems) in premature infantsGuillain-Barré syndrome

Menactra side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fainting or dizziness

  • Fever or chills

  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially in the legs

  • Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, tenderness, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache, drowsiness, or sleepiness

  • Diarrhea, loss of appetite, or vomiting

  • Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, tenderness, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given

  • Crying or irritability

  • Joint or muscle pain

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