MenQuadfi: Meningococcal ACWY vaccine schedule, side effects, and more
Meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious illness caused by bacteria that can lead to infections of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or severe blood infections. It can affect anyone, but it strikes quickly and can be deadly within hours.
MenQuadfi is a vaccine that helps
MenQuadfi is often given at the same doctor’s visit as other routine vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) shot, or the flu shot. A person can also visit a pharmacy or travel clinic to receive the vaccine.
This article explains what the vaccine is, how it works, who needs it, and what to expect after receiving it.
MenQuadfi is a “conjugate” vaccine designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease. This disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This particular bacterium has different family groups, called “serogroups.” MenQuadfi protects against four of the most common serogroups found worldwide: A, C, W, and Y.
The vaccine works by using parts of the sugar coating (polysaccharide) found on the bacteria. These sugars are linked (conjugated) to a protein called tetanus toxoid. The combination of polysaccharide and tetanus toxoid in MenQuadfi teaches the immune system to recognize and fight the bacteria without actually giving a person the disease.
MenQuadfi does not protect against meningitis B. A separate vaccine is needed for protection against group B, which is also a common cause of meningitis.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved MenQuadfi for people ages 6 weeks and older.
For some people, it may be particularly important to have the vaccine. People in the following groups may have a
Most people can safely get this vaccine, but there are a few exceptions. You should not get MenQuadfi if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
If a person has a moderate or severe illness, such as the flu with a fever, on the day they are scheduled for the shot, a healthcare professional may recommend waiting until they have recovered.
The MenQuadfi schedule depends on the person’s age when they start the vaccination series. The following is based on United States guidelines:
Find out how to minimize the pain of a shot.
Like all medications and vaccines, MenQuadfi can cause side effects. Most are mild and go away on their own within a few days. The most common side effects vary slightly by age.
Fainting can happen after an injection. To prevent injury from falling, the healthcare professional giving the shot may recommend that a person sit or lie down for a short time after receiving the shot.
Reporting side effects: If you would like to report a side effect you’ve had with MenQuadfi, you can do so through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website or by calling 800-822-7967.
Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receive reports made to VAERS.
Yes. Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood poisoning). Even with treatment, the disease can be fatal. Among those who survive, many experience long-term problems such as hearing loss, brain damage, or the loss of limbs due to amputation.
Studies show that the MenQuadfi vaccine elicits a strong immune response, helping the body produce antibodies that kill these dangerous bacteria.
As with all medications, the cost of MenQuadfi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and where you get the shot.
Most health insurance plans cover the full cost of the vaccine under preventive care benefits.
Medicare Part D typically covers the cost of the vaccine with little to no out-of-pocket (OOP) cost. Before getting the vaccine, a person must check whether the pharmacy or clinic they visit accepts their plan.
Many local health departments and community clinics offer vaccines at reduced or no cost to people without insurance.
A person can also get the vaccine at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart by paying for the vaccine and an administration fee. A person can call their local pharmacies or clinics to find the best price. Some pharmacies publish vaccine prices online.
MenQuadfi is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against four strains of the N. meningitidis bacterium (A, C, W, and Y) that cause serious meningitis and blood infections.
It is approved for people ages 6 weeks and older and is strongly recommended for adolescents and those at high risk.
By getting vaccinated and keeping up with recommended boosters, a person can protect themselves from a rare but life threatening disease.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.