Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

Composition

Each vial contains lyophilized preparation of Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine BP containing purified polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W135 and Y. After reconstitution 0.5 ml contains ≥ 50 µg of each of the polysaccharide serogroups A, C, W135 and Y.

Indications

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is indicated 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

Pharmacology

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine is a freeze-dried preparation of the group-specific polysaccharide antigens from Neisseria meningitidis Group A, Group C, Group Y and Group W135. When reconstituted, the vaccine is a clear, colorless sterile solution for subcutaneous use.

Dosage & Administration

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.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.

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 & Lactation

  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.

Precautions & Warnings

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.

Therapeutic Class : Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

Storage Conditions

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