Meningococcal Vaccine
Menactra is a brand-name meningococcal conjugate vaccine used to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, including meningitis and meningococcemia. It is primarily administered to adolescents, young adults, and individuals at increased risk due to certain medical conditions or travel to endemic regions. The vaccine contains antigens that stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against meningococcal serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135.
Menactra is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal cord linings, primarily used in adolescents and high-risk individuals.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 596702
- Generic
- Menactra
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Menactra is indicated for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. It is routinely recommended for adolescents aged 11-12 years with a booster at age 16, and may be given to college freshmen living in dormitories, military recruits, microbiologists exposed to meningococcus, travelers to endemic areas, and individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions or asplenia.
Menactra is a conjugate vaccine that contains purified polysaccharides from the bacterial capsule of four meningococcal serogroups (A, C, Y, W-135) conjugated to diphtheria toxoid protein. This conjugation converts T-independent polysaccharide antigens into T-dependent antigens, resulting in a stronger and more durable immune response with better immunological memory compared to non-conjugated polysaccharide vaccines.
Menactra is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm or thigh. Common side effects include injection site pain, redness, and swelling, as well as headache, fatigue, and muscle pain. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. The vaccine is contraindicated in individuals with known severe hypersensitivity to any component. It does not protect against serogroup B meningococcus and should not be given during acute illness. As with all vaccines, adequate protective immunity may not develop in all recipients.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy