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CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created guidelines for parents to know what vaccines they – and their children – should receive. The following are the CDC meningococcal vaccination recommendations:

  • Children 11 through 18 years of age should get one dose of the meningococcal vaccine.2
  • The best time to immunize a child with the meningococcal vaccine is when they are 11 or 12 years of age.2
  • Children who didn’t receive the meningococcal vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age should get it as soon as possible.2
  • College freshmen living in dormitories should get the meningococcal vaccination.2
  • The CDC also recommends the meningococcal vaccination for children 2 through 10 years of age who have a damaged spleen or have had their spleen removed, and those with an immune system disorder.10

Who shouldn't get the meningococcal vaccine?

The CDC recommends that children with the following conditions should not get the meningococcal vaccine or should wait: those who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose; those with a life-threatening allergy to any vaccine ingredient; those who are moderately or severely ill when the meningococcal immunization is scheduled; those who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.2 If your child has any of the above conditions, it is important that you talk to your doctor.

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Your state may require your child to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

Download the CDC vaccine recommendations

Indication
Menactra vaccine is given to persons 2 through 55 years of age for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. Menactra vaccine will not stimulate protection against infection caused by N meningitidis other than serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.

Safety Information
Side effects to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; headache or fatigue. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine, including latex (which is used in the vial stopper), or by any persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. There is a potential for an increased chance of getting Guillain-Barré syndrome following vaccination. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals.

For more information about Menactra vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.