Meningitis Act

Uses

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is used for the active immunization of children from 2 years of age, adolescents and adults against meningococcal disease caused by meningococci of serogroups A, C, W135 and Y. The vaccine may also be used for:

• Subjects who are living in closed communities and close contacts of patients with disease caused by meningococci of serogroups A, C, W135 and Y.
• Travellers to countries where the disease is epidemic or highly endemic

Dosage

Meningitis Act dosage

The immunizing dose is a single injection of 0.5 ml administered subcutaneously.

Primary Immunization:For both adults and children from 2 years of age, vaccine is administered subcutaneously as a single 0.5 ml dose. Protective antibody levels may be achieved within 7 to 10 days after vaccination.

Revaccination: Revaccination of a single 0.5 ml dose administered subcutaneously may be indicated for individuals at high-risk of infection, particularly children who were first vaccinated when they were less than 4 years of age; such children should be considered for revaccination after 2 or 3 years if they remain at high-risk. Although, it has not been confirmed the necessity for the older children and adults to be re-vaccinated, if the antibody level has rapidly declined after the first vaccination, then re-vaccination is considered after primary immunization within 3~5 years.

Method of administration: Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is for subcutaneous use only. Do not inject intravenously. The vaccine should be reconstituted only with the supplied solvent. To reconstitute the vaccine, transfer content of supplied diluents into the vial containing freeze-dried preparation. Do not shake during & after reconstitution. The reconstituted vaccine should be inspected for any foreign particulate matter prior to administration. The reconstituted vaccine should be administered within 30 minutes after reconstitution and the syringe should be destroyed after use.

Co-administration: Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine can be administered at the same time with other vaccines. Different injectable vaccines should always be administered at a different injection site with different syringe.

Side Effects

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is generally well tolerated. Adverse reactions usually occur within 48 hours following vaccination

• Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Common: appetite lost
• Psychiatric disorders: Very common: irritability
• Nervous system disorders: Very common: drowsiness, headache. Uncommon: dizziness
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Common: gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Common: myalgia.
• General disorders and administration site conditions: Very common: pain and redness at the injection site, fatigue. Common: swelling at the injection site, fever.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Adequate human data on use during pregnancy and adequate animal reproduction studies are not available. This vaccine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed and when the possible advantages outweigh the possible risks for the fetus.

Lactation: Adequate data on the administration of this vaccine to women who are breast-feeding are not available. This vaccine should be administered to women who are breast-feeding when needed and the possible advantages outweigh the possible risks.

Contraindication

As with other vaccines, the administration of Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine should be postponed in subjects suffering from acute severe febrile illness. The presence of a minor infection, however, is not a contraindication for immunization.

This vaccine gives no protection against meningococcal meningitis caused by meningococci belonging to serogroups other than A, C, W135 and Y. If administered to subjects with impaired immune responses, the vaccine may not induce an effective response.

As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medication (e.g. adrenaline) should always be readily available for treatment in case of anaphylactic reactions following the administration of the vaccine. Vaccination should be preceded by a review of the medical history (especially with regard to previous vaccination and possible occurrence of undesirable events) and a clinical examination

Storage Condition

• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Store and transport at +2 °C to + 8 °C
• Do not freeze
• Protect from light
• The vaccine should be used within 30 minutes after reconstitution

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Meningitis Act