Menomune
® (
meningococcal vaccine) is used to provide protection against invasive meningococcal disease caused by the
Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. These invasive meningococcal diseases include:
- Bloodstream infections
- Bacterial meningitis (a bacterial infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Menomune is approved for use in individuals age 2 and older. In addition, it is the only meningococcal vaccine approved in the United States for use in individuals over 55 years of age.
(Click Menomune Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label indications.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Single-dose vials of Menomune do not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). People who are concerned about exposure to this substance can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal when using the single-dose vials -- not even trace amounts. However, the multidose vials do contain thimerosal: 25 mcg of mercury (0.025 mg) per dose.
Some people also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. Menomune contains no aluminum. This vaccine is not made from animal components or human fetal cell lines, unlike some vaccines.
Menomune is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
This vaccine contains polysaccharide (sugar) molecules from the outside coating of the N. meningitidis bacteria. Simply stated, this vaccine "tricks" the body into thinking it has been exposed to the actual bacteria, but without the risks of a real infection. If future exposure to the bacteria occurs, the immune system "remembers" the bacteria and is better able to fight it off.
Menomune is different from the newer version of the
meningococcal vaccine (
Menactra®). With the newer version, the polysaccharides are attached to diphtheria toxoid proteins (this type of vaccine is known as a conjugate vaccine). This simple change makes the vaccine more effective for younger children, since children respond better to conjugate vaccines, and it provides longer-lasting immunity.
Menactra is the preferred vaccine for people ages 2 through 55. Menomune is preferred only for adults over the age of 55.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations to keep in mind with Menomune include the following:
- This vaccine is typically given as a single dose. In some high-risk individuals, a booster may be recommended.
- Menomune is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the upper arm.
- People can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the individual is moderately or severely ill.
Menomune Dosing Information
There is only one recommended dose for this vaccine, regardless of your age or weight
(see Menomune Dosage for more information).
Just like any vaccine, Menomune may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccination will experience problems. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any. If adverse reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with Menomune include but are not limited to:
- Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, or swelling)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- A general ill feeling (malaise).
(Click Menomune Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Menomune
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Before you receive this vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider if you have:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- An immune-suppressing condition, such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- Had any sort of a reaction to a vaccine before
- A moderate or severe illness
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should Menomune Be Stored?
Menomune (including the freeze-dried portion, the liquid portion, and the final, mixed product) should be stored in the refrigerator. The vaccine should never be frozen. The multidose vials can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 35 days after they are mixed. The single-dose vials must be used immediately after being mixed.
The vaccine is available in 0.6-mL, single-dose vials or 6-mL, multi-dose vials (10 doses per vial). The vials contain dry natural latex rubber.
Is There a Generic Version of Menomune?
