Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine

Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine may prevent serious illnesses that may occur following infection with the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis.

Infection with Neisseria meningitidis can cause serious life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine does not contain the bacteria. It works by triggering the body to make antibodies against the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.

There are different types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine provides protection against 4 common disease-causing types (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) therefore it does not provide complete protection.

Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine comes as a solution (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.

Infants 2 months of age: given as 4 doses given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to18 months of age.

Children 6 through 23 months of age: given as 2 doses given at least 3 months apart, with the second dose given after 1 year of age.

Children and adults 2 though 55 years of age: given as a single dose.

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• have had a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes numbness in the extremities, muscle pain, difficulty walking or standing, and paralysis often triggered by an infection) or have a weakened immune system due to a condition or medication you are receiving.
• are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

Side effects that have been reported with meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine include:

• pain, redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site
• irritability
• unusual crying
• fatigue
• sleepiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• change in appetite
• muscle or joint aches and pains
• headache
• fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat
• numbness in the extremities, muscle pain, difficulty walking or standing, paralysis

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

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