Menactra
This is a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine
Ingredients:
Active ingredients:
Sugars from 4 serotypes of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) are conjugated (attached) to tetanus toxoid (not toxin) in order to improve the immune response to the sugar.
Inactive ingredients:
Ingredients based on a 0.5mL dose
Relevant Terms
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Antibody: a protein made by the immune system in response to a foreign particle (antigen). These proteins circulate in the blood and help defend the body against the substance.
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Antigen: This is any substance that triggers the immune system to create antibodies. For example, allergens such as pollen are antigens.
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Conjugate: An antigen is attached to a protein in order to improve the protection the vaccine provides.
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Isotonic: describes a mixture with the same concentration of salts and other molecules as the fluids in the body
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Quadrivalent: Protects against four different serotypes of the pathogen (in this case, Neisseria meningitidis)
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Serotype: a group of strains within a species that share a particular type of surface structure
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Toxoid: an inactive version of a toxin produced by a bacterium. The body is able to make antitoxin without being exposed to the actual toxin. Toxoids are not toxic.
Sources
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Package insert: https://www.fda.gov/files/vaccines,%20blood%20&%20biologics/published/Package-Insert---Menactra.pdf
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General:
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PBS:
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https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratory-methods-food/bam-r60-001-m-phosphate-buffered-saline-ph-75
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Note: the amounts in this source are used to make a stock solution that is diluted before use, so the values on this website reflect the final concentrations, not the stock solution. ​
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https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Drug-Shortages--Sodium-Phosphate-Notification-Letter.pdf
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https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sodium-salt-and-you
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Formaldehyde: https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-ingredients/formaldehyde
Last updated: Feb. 23, 2023