Nimenrix (Meningococcal (Groups A, C, W-135 And Y) Conjugate Vaccine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nimenrix Used For?
Nimenrix is a vaccine that helps protect against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and blood.
Primary Uses
Nimenrix prevents meningococcal disease caused by four specific types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (types A, C, W and Y). It’s particularly recommended for travelers to high-risk areas, close contacts of infected people, and those with medical conditions that increase their risk of meningococcal disease.
How It Works
Nimenrix works by stimulating your body to produce its own protective antibodies against these four types of meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine cannot cause meningococcal disease itself.
Good to know: Nimenrix cannot cause meningococcal disease – it only helps your body build protection against it
How to Take Nimenrix
Nimenrix is given as an injection by your doctor or nurse into the muscle, usually in your thigh or upper arm.
Dosage Instructions
For infants 6 weeks to 6 months: Two doses given 2 months apart (typically at 2 and 4 months), plus a booster at 12 months. For infants 6-12 months: One dose, plus a booster at 12 months (at least 2 months later). For children 12 months and older and adults: Usually one injection. Some high-risk individuals may need additional doses as recommended by their doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you or your child miss a scheduled dose, contact your doctor or nurse to arrange another appointment as soon as possible. Don’t miss follow-up doses as they’re important for the best protection.
Important: Don’t miss follow-up doses – they’re essential for the vaccine to provide the best protection against meningococcal disease
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Drowsiness or feeling tired
- Headache
- Irritability or fussiness in children
- Diarrhea, vomiting or nausea
- Bruising at injection site
- Rash (in infants)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious allergic reaction with swelling of face, throat, or limbs
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe skin reactions or hives
- Unusual sudden tiredness or weakness
- High fever with seizures
- Large swelling of the vaccinated limb with redness
Important Warnings
Before receiving Nimenrix, tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and any previous reactions to vaccines.
Who Should Not Take Nimenrix
Don’t receive Nimenrix if you’re allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have a severe infection with high fever. Minor infections like colds shouldn’t prevent vaccination, but discuss with your healthcare provider.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you’ve had serious reactions to any vaccine, have fainted with previous vaccines, have low platelets or bleeding disorders, have conditions affecting your immune system, or have received another vaccine in the last 4 weeks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before receiving Nimenrix.
Serious Allergic Reactions: As with all injected vaccines, there’s a very small risk of serious allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical help if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe skin reactions
Drug Interactions
Nimenrix can be given with many other vaccines, but timing and combinations should be managed by your healthcare provider.
- Combined diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Seasonal flu vaccines
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness after vaccination, as some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol until you know how Nimenrix affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Nimenrix affects you, as vaccination can cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people.
Storage
Nimenrix is usually stored at your doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it, keep it refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze, store in the bathroom, or leave in the car. Keep in original packaging to protect from light and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
For information about overdose management, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nimenrix works by causing your body to produce protective antibodies against meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine helps build immunity, but like all vaccines, may not protect all people who are vaccinated.
Yes, Nimenrix can be used in infants from 6 weeks of age. The dosing schedule varies by age – infants typically need multiple doses and a booster at 12 months.
No, Nimenrix only protects against meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W and Y. It doesn’t protect against other types of Neisseria bacteria or meningitis caused by other bacteria or viruses.
Most side effects are mild and clear up within a few days. Contact your doctor if side effects worry you. Seek immediate medical help for serious allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or unusual weakness.
Yes, Nimenrix can be given at the same time as many other vaccines including DTaP, hepatitis A and B, MMR, flu vaccines, and pneumococcal vaccines. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate timing.
Nimenrix is particularly recommended for travelers to countries with meningococcal outbreaks, close contacts of people with meningococcal disease, and people with medical conditions that increase their risk of infection.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or nurse to arrange another appointment as soon as possible. Don’t skip follow-up doses as they’re important for the best protection against meningococcal disease.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.