Comparison pointsMPSV4 (Menomune)MCV4 (Menactra)
AgeRecommended for children 2 to 10 years who have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome and who desire immunizationRecommended for all children 11 to 12 years of age, unvaccinated children entering high school, college freshmen living in dormitories, and military recruits
Recommended for children 2 to 10 years of age who need to be vaccinated because of risk factors or travel
May be given three years after MPSV4 is administered
PreservativeThimerosalNone
RevaccinationIf at risk, revaccinate five years after the first dose, but use MCV4Revaccination not recommended
Route of administrationSubcutaneouslyIntramuscularly
Side effectsMild adverse reactions, including fever, occur in up to 3 percent of children45 Mild adverse reactions, including fever, occur in up to 3 percent of children
Special considerationsMay be used in persons 11 to 55 years if MCV4 is not availableMay be used in persons 11 to 55 years who are at risk of invasive meningococcal disease
Vaccine componentsQuadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (serotypes A, C, Y, W-135)Quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (serotypes A, C, Y, W-135) conjugated to diphtheria toxin