Meningitec

For infants 2 to 12 months old, the usual dosing schedule is 2 doses of 0.5 mL of vaccine injected into a muscle (preferably in the outer upper thigh) by a qualified health care professional. The doses should be given at least 2 months apart. Depending on when an infant received their vaccine, the doctor may recommend a "booster dose" given about one year after the last dose was given.

For children older than 12 months of age, adolescents, and adults, the usual dosing schedule is one dose (0.5 mL) of vaccine injected into a muscle (preferably in the upper, outer arm) by a qualified health care professional.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine) should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Meningitec is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under meningococcal vaccine (group C). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not use Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine) if you:

• are allergic to meningococcal vaccine or any ingredients of Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine)
• are allergic to Tetanus or diphtheria toxoid
• have had neurological effects after a previous meningococcal vaccine

There may be an interaction between meningococcal vaccine (group C) and any of the following:

• acetaminophen
• immunosuppressants
  • Azathioprine
  • Belimumab
  • corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, fluticasone, Prednisone)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Fingolimod
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Leflunomide
  • Infliximab
  • medications to treat cancer (e.g., Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, Vincristine)
  • mycophenolate
  • Rituximab
  • Tacrolimus
• other vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Meningitec (Meningococcal-vaccine).

Bleeding problems: There is a risk of increased bleeding or bruising when any intramuscular injection is given to a person who has a bleeding disorder or is taking medications to thin the blood. The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine have not been established for people with thrombocytopenia (low platelets) or bleeding disorders. If you have these conditions, discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your doctor.

Breathing problems: When given to very premature babies, there is the risk that the vaccine may cause problems breathing, such as the infant temporarily stopping breathing. There is a significant benefit to giving this vaccine to this group of infants. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Fever: A doctor may decide to delay this vaccine if the person receiving the vaccine has an acute infection or fever. Mild infections without fever, such as colds, usually do not require delay of the vaccine.

Immune problems: When used for people with impaired immune systems, meningococcal vaccines may not create enough of an antibody response to protect against infections caused by these bacteria. Also, this vaccine may not be effective for people receiving immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used to treat cancer or for transplant recipients).

Pre-medication: Your doctor may suggest that infants and children receive antifever medications (e.g., Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen) before or after receiving the vaccine. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.

Protection: This vaccine can only protect against the types of bacteria specific to this vaccine and, as with other vaccines, may not provide 100% protection for everyone who receives the vaccine.

Pregnancy: This vaccine should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you discover you were pregnant when you received this vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if meningococcal vaccine (group C) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and may be given this vaccine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding or wait until you have stopped breast-feeding to receive the vaccine.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine has not been established for adults 65 years or older.