Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine (Penbraya)

This medication guide is specific to Penbraya.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect the spinal cord and brain, leading to meningitis that can be deadly or cause lasting and severe health issues.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through tiny droplets of saliva that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria usually spreads through close contact with an infected person, especially through kissing or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by serogroup ABCWY meningococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body build immunity to meningitis, but will not treat an active infection you may already have.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine is for use in children and young adults who are 10 to 25 years old.

This vaccine can be given only when all serogroups (ABCWY) of the meningococcal ABCWY vaccines are needed at the same visit.

Like any vaccine, the meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine may not protect every person from disease.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine (Penbraya) is usually given in a series of 2 shots, with the second shot given 6 months after the first shot.

You will be watched for a short time to make sure you do not feel faint after receiving this vaccine.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

There are other types of meningococcal vaccine available. When you receive your second dose, make sure you are receiving a vaccine for meningococcal serogroup A, B, C, W, or Y and not only for serogroup B, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or vaccination provider.

You should not receive the vaccine again if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to meningococcal vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had nervous system problems such as numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, or trouble breathing after getting a vaccine.

This vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• received a vaccine for meningitis;
• a severe illness with a fever or any type of infection; or
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine (this vaccine may not be as effective if you are immunosuppressed).

You may still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines. This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, but it does not provide protection against tetanus.

Your doctor should determine if it is safe to receive this vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of this vaccine on the baby.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep a record of any side effects you experience, and make sure to inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

You should not get a second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Becoming infected with meningococcal disease and getting meningitis is much more harmful to your health than receiving this vaccine. While any vaccine may cause side effects, the chance of serious side effects is low.

Common side effects of meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine may include:

• headache;
• feeling tired;
• muscle or joint pain;
• chills; or
• pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Usual Adult Dose for Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis:

Approximately 0.5 mL IM administered as 2 doses 6 months apartComment:-This vaccine is approved for adults up to 25 years of age.Use: For active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitides serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis:

10 to less than 18 years:Approximately 0.5 mL IM administered as 2 doses 6 months apartUse: For active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease caused by N meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss the second dose or if you fall behind schedule.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your doctor about all other vaccines you have received recently.

Other medications may impact the meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are using.