meningococcal groups A, C, Y, W-135 polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine

This vaccine is an inactivated (polysaccharide) vaccine designed for active immunization against invasive meningococcal disease caused by *Neisseria meningitidis* serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. It functions by stimulating the body's immune system to produce bactericidal antibodies against the capsular polysaccharides of these specific serogroups. The polysaccharides are chemically linked, or conjugated, to diphtheria toxoid protein, which acts as a carrier. This conjugation is crucial as it converts the immune response from T-cell independent to T-cell dependent, thereby enhancing immunogenicity, particularly in infants and young children, and promoting the development of immunological memory for longer-lasting protection. The vaccine is administered to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningococcal meningitis and meningococcemia.

Brand names

Menactra