Meningococcal group ACBWY (Penmenvy)

This medication guide is specific to Penmenvy.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect the spinal cord and brain, causing meningitis that can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling health issues.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria is usually transmitted 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 it will not treat an active infection you 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 provide protection from disease in every person.

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 is usually given in a series of 2 shots, with the second shot given 6 months after the first shot.

You will be monitored for a short time to ensure you do not feel faint after receiving this vaccine.

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

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

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

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal vaccine or to any other vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid.

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

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

• received a vaccine for meningitis;
• a serious illness with a fever or any kind of infection; or
• a weakened immune system due to a disease or certain medications (this vaccine may not work as well if you are immunosuppressed).

You can still receive the vaccine if you have a minor cold.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 be sure to inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Getting meningococcal disease and developing meningitis is much more serious for your health than getting this vaccine. Any vaccine can cause side effects, but the chance of serious side effects is low.

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

Common side effects of meningococcal group ACBWY may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call 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:

Up to 25 years of age: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses, administered 6 months apartUse: Active immunization to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y

Usual Pediatric Dose for Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis:

10 years of age and older: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses, administered 6 months apartUse: Active immunization to prevent 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 not likely to happen.

Follow your vaccination provider's guidance on any limits regarding 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 ACBWY vaccine, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are using.