The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

Polysaccharide vaccines
Quadrivalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines (4vMenPV)
• Mencevax ACWY – GlaxoSmithKline (meningococcal serogroups A,
C, W 135 and Y polysaccharides). Lyophilised pellet in a monodose vial
with separate saline diluent. Each 0.5 mL reconstituted dose contains
50 µg of each meningococcal serogroup polysaccharide; 12.6 mg
sucrose; 0.1 mg trometamol.
• Menomune – Sanofi Pasteur Pty Ltd (meningococcal serogroups A, C,
W 135 and Y polysaccharides). Lyophilised powder in a monodose vial
with separate saline diluent. Each 0.5 mL reconstituted dose contains
50 µg of each meningococcal serogroup polysaccharide; 2.5–5 mg
lactose.
4vMenPV provides protection against serogroups A, C, W and Y. These
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vaccines induce antibodies in 10 to 14 days in 90% of recipients >2 years of age.
Immunity decreases markedly during the first 3 years following a single dose of
vaccine, particularly in infants and young children. However, clinical protection
persists for at least 3 years in school-aged children and adults.
The duration of immunity is further complicated by the induction of
immunological hyporesponsiveness to the serogroup C component
following repeated vaccination with 4vMenPV, as revaccination results in
a reduced antibody response compared with the primary immunisation. 37
This phenomenon has been noted in both children and adults. 38-40 The
demonstration of subsequent hyporesponsiveness has led to the concern that
vaccinating persons at low risk may reduce the effectiveness of revaccination
in a subsequent high-risk situation, although this has not been clinically
demonstrated. This hyporesponsiveness can be overcome with meningococcal
conjugate vaccines, 38 although additional doses of a conjugate vaccine may
be required in young children. There is little response to the serogroup C
component of the 4vMenPV before 18 months of age and little response to
serogroup A before 3 months of age. 41
4.10.5 Transport, storage and handling
Transport according to National vaccine storage guidelines: Strive for 5. 42 Store at
+2°C to +8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Conjugate vaccines
Menjugate Syringe must be reconstituted by adding the entire contents of the
diluent syringe to the vial and shaking until the powder is completely dissolved.
Reconstituted vaccine should be used immediately.
PART 4 VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES 287
4.10 MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE