The vaccines division of the Sanofi Group,Sanofi Pasteur,has won Health Canada approval for the use of Menactra,the Meningococcal polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine,as early as nine months of age.
Menactra vaccine prevents meningococcal meningitis and meningococcal diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis'strains A,C,Y and W-135,in individuals nine months of age to 55 years old.
The Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada medical advisor Dr.Ron Gold said as the symptoms of meningitis infections are similar to that of flu and diagnosis can be difficult.
"Approval for use of Menactra vaccine as early as nine months of age expands our ability to prevent this potentially deadly disease in infants,"Dr.Gold added.
Diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis strain B cannot be prevented by Menactra,which is not a therapy for meningococcal infections or their complications.
