MenQuadfi (Meningococcal Polysaccharide Groups A, C, Y And W-135)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is MenQuadfi Used For?
MenQuadfi is a vaccine that helps protect against serious bacterial infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria types A, C, W and Y.
Primary Uses
MenQuadfi protects against meningitis (inflammation of tissues around the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood infection) caused by Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W and Y. These infections can be passed from person to person and may cause serious disease with lasting effects and possibly death. The vaccine can be given to children 12 months and older, adolescents, adults and elderly people.
How It Works
MenQuadfi stimulates your body’s natural immune system to produce antibodies that provide protection against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. However, like all vaccines, 100% protection cannot be guaranteed. This vaccine will not prevent meningitis caused by other groups of Neisseria meningitidis.
Good to know: This vaccine helps your body build its own natural protection against serious bacterial infections
How to Take MenQuadfi
MenQuadfi is given as an injection by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. You cannot give this vaccine to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
MenQuadfi is given as a single 0.5 mL injection into the muscle in your upper arm or thigh, depending on your age and muscle mass. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate injection site.
Important: This vaccine must only be given by a trained healthcare professional
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 (children 2+ years, adolescents, adults, elderly)
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Generally feeling unwell
- Fever
- Tenderness, redness or swelling at injection site (children 12-23 months)
- Feeling irritable (children 12-23 months)
- Crying (children 12-23 months)
- Loss of appetite (children 12-23 months)
- Feeling drowsy (children 12-23 months)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (children 12-23 months)
- Itching, warmth, bruising or rash at injection site
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, swelling of face, lips, throat or tongue)
- Fits (convulsions) with or without fever
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving MenQuadfi. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take MenQuadfi
Do not receive MenQuadfi if you are allergic to the active ingredients or any other ingredients in the vaccine. Signs of allergic reaction include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your healthcare provider if you have: an infection with high temperature over 38°C (vaccination may be delayed until infection is controlled), a disease that weakens your immune system (your response to the vaccine may not be optimal), or if you have ever fainted from an injection. Fainting can occur during, after, or even before any injection, especially in adolescents and young children.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must tell your healthcare provider before receiving MenQuadfi.
Allergic Reactions: Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of allergic reaction including rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face, lips, throat or tongue
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with MenQuadfi and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and vaccines you are taking.
Multiple Vaccines: MenQuadfi can be given at the same time as other vaccines at separate injection sites – your doctor will advise you
- Other vaccines or medicines (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements)
- High-dose corticosteroids
- Chemotherapy medications
- Other medicines that affect the immune system
Alcohol & Driving
MenQuadfi is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines, but you should be cautious if you feel unwell after vaccination.
Driving and Operating Machinery
MenQuadfi is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, do not drive or use any machines if you are feeling unwell after receiving the vaccine.
Storage
MenQuadfi is usually stored at your doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it: keep it where young children cannot reach it, store in the original packaging until use, keep refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (do not freeze), do not use after the expiry date, and do not use if packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Overdose Information
Since MenQuadfi is given as a single dose by a healthcare professional, overdose is unlikely. If you have concerns about the vaccine or experience any unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
MenQuadfi stimulates your body’s immune system to produce antibodies against meningococcal bacteria. Your body needs time to build this protection after vaccination, though the exact timeline is not specified in the product information.
Yes, MenQuadfi can be given at the same time as other vaccines during the same visit, but at separate injection sites. Your doctor will advise you if this is appropriate for your situation.
Yes, MenQuadfi can be given to children 12 months of age and older, as well as adolescents, adults, and elderly people. The side effects may vary slightly between age groups.
If you have an infection with high temperature (over 38°C), the vaccination will be delayed until the infection is under control. However, minor infections like a cold do not require delaying vaccination – discuss with your healthcare provider first.
No, MenQuadfi only protects against meningitis and septicaemia caused by Neisseria meningitidis types A, C, W and Y. It will not prevent meningitis caused by other groups of Neisseria meningitidis or other causes of meningitis.
Fainting can occur during, after, or even before any injection, especially in adolescents and young children. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever fainted from an injection so they can take appropriate precautions.
If you have a disease that weakens your immune system, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. You may still receive the vaccine, but your response to it may not be optimal.
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.