Meningococcal conjugate vaccine and Relenza

• Generic Name: meningococcal conjugate vaccine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Menactra, Menveo

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Meningococcal bacteria can infect the spinal cord and brain, causing meningitis that can be fatal. Meningococcal disease can also lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surface. The bacteria can also be passed through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil with an infected person.

Meningococcal disease is more likely to occur in babies younger than 1 year, in young people ages 16 to 23 years, in anyone with a weak immune system, and in anyone exposed to an outbreak of the disease.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. The vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine contains four of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

This vaccine will not treat an active meningococcal infection that has already developed in the body.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old.

Like any vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

• Generic Name: zanamivir
• Dosage Forms: powder, for oral inhalation
• Other Brand Names: Relenza

Relenza (zanamivir) is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Relenza is used to treat flu symptoms caused by influenza virus in people who have had symptoms for less than 2 days.

Relenza may also be given to prevent influenza in people who may be exposed but do not yet have symptoms. Zanamivir will not treat the common cold.

Relenza should not be used in place of getting a yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends an annual flu shot to help protect you each year from new strains of influenza virus.