Common And Local Adverse Events
Conjugate meningococcal vaccines
Men-C-ACYW vaccines
Injection site reactions occur in up to 59% of vaccinees. Fever is reported in up to 5% of recipients and systemic reactions, such as headache and malaise, are reported in up to 60% of recipients.
Men-C-C vaccines
Mild reactions, including injection site reactions , occur in up to 50% of vaccine recipients. Irritability occurs in up to 80% of infants and fever in up to 9% when other vaccines were administered. Headaches and malaise occur in up to 10% of older children and adults. These reactions last no more than a few days.
Serogroup B Meningococcal vaccines
4CMenB vaccine
Solicited local and systemic reactions have been commonly reported in clinical trials and include injection site tenderness, induration, sleepiness and irritability. Higher rates of fever have been observed with simultaneous administration of 4CMenB vaccine and routine infant vaccines therefore, routine prophylactic administration of acetaminophen or separating 4CMenB vaccination from routine vaccination schedule has been proposed for preventing fever in infants and children up to three years of age.
MenB-fHBP vaccine
Solicited local and systemic reactions have been commonly reported in clinical trials and include injection site tenderness, induration and irritability.
What Are The Risks Of Gbs With The Mcv4 Vaccine
Between 2005 and 2012, more than 18 million doses of MCV4 were distributed. It’s uncertain how many of those have actually been given. In that same time period, there have been 99 confirmed cases of GBS, a serious nervous system disorder, reported within six weeks of the vaccine being taken. There is not enough data at this time to tell whether or not the vaccine was a factor. But analysis of the data suggests that the incidence of GBS is no higher for people receiving the vaccine than the incidence of GBS in the general population.
Still, the timing of the onset of symptoms has raised concern. The CDC is continuing to study the issue and has recommended that people be told about the study when they are considering the vaccine. The current opinion is that even if there is a slight increase in the risk of GBS, it’s significantly outweighed by the risk of meningococcal disease without the vaccine.
Talk to your doctor if you have any further concerns about the vaccine and GBS.
Show Sources
Pediatrics, published online Feb. 1, 2011. CDC web site: “Meningitis Questions & Answers,” “Meningococcal Vaccines: What You Need to Know,” “Meningococcal Vaccination,” “Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Meningococcal: Who Needs to Be Vaccinated?” “Meningococcal vaccine side-effects,” “GBS and Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine.”
VaccineInformation.org: “Meningococcal Disease Vaccine.”
What Is Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can infect the spinal cord and brain and cause meningitis, which can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.
Meningococcal disease spreads from person to person through small droplets of saliva expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria is usually passed through close contact with an infected person, especially through kissing or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis, but will not treat an active infection you already have.
The Menactra brand of this vaccine is for use in children and adults between the ages of 9 months and 55 years old. Menveo is for children and adults between the ages of 2 months and 55 years old. MenQuadfi is for adults and children at least 2 years old.
Like any vaccine, meningococcal conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get A Tdap Shot At Cvs
Are There Any Adults Who Should Not Get The Meningococcal Vaccine
You shouldn’t get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you:
- Are moderately or seriously ill wait until you recover.
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose
- Had a severe reaction to any part of the vaccine
If you are pregnant or have other concerns, ask your doctor which meningitis vaccine is right for you.
What Are The Risks From Meningococcal Vaccines

- Redness or soreness where the shot is given can happen after meningococcal ACWY vaccination
- A small percentage of people who receive meningococcal ACWY vaccine experience muscle pain, headache, or tiredness.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
Read Also: Can I Get A Tdap Shot At Cvs
What Is This Medicine
MENINGOCOCCAL DIPHTHERIA TOXOID CONJUGATE VACCINE is a vaccine to protect from bacterial meningitis. This vaccine does not contain live bacteria. It will not cause a meningitis.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: Menactra, Menveo
Are Both Meningococcal Vaccines Equally Effective
The MCV4, MPSV4 and MenB vaccines are about 85-90% effective in preventing meningococcal disease. There are actually several types of N meningitidis — the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease, five of which are common in the U.S. These vaccines together protect against all five of these strains.
MCV4 has not been available long enough to compare the long-term effectiveness of the two vaccines. But most experts think that MCV4 provides better, longer-lasting protection.
Read Also: Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Your Record Of Protection
After you receive an immunization, make sure your healthcare provider updates your personal immunization record such as the “Yellow Card”. Keep it in a safe place. If your child is 17 years of age or under and receives this vaccine please report this information to KFL& A Public Health online or by calling 613-549-1232. Health care providers do not automatically send immunization information to KFL& A Public Health. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to provide this information.
Reference
Who Should Not Get A Meningococcal Vaccine
Your preteen or teen shouldn’t get the meningococcal vaccine if they:
- Has had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to a meningococcal vaccine before or to any vaccine component
- Is moderately or severely ill
- Has ever had Guillain-Barre syndrome
Pregnant women can get the meningococcal vaccine, but it’s only recommended for those with certain immune problems or those likely to be exposed to meningitis. With the newer MCV4 and MenB vaccines, there hasn’t been as much study in pregnant women compared to the MPSV4 vaccine.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Whooping Cough Vaccine
What Causes Meningococcal Meningitis
Bacteria and viruses are the two main causes of meningitis. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus, causes meningococcal meningitis. In children and teens, meningococcus is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. In adults, it is the second most common cause.
Meningococcal bacteria may cause infection in a part of the body — the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory tract, for instance. For unknown reasons, the bacteria may then spread through the bloodstream to the nervous system. When it gets there, it causes meningococcal meningitis. Bacteria can also enter the nervous system directly after severe head trauma, surgery, or infection.
Your risk for meningococcal meningitis increases if you are exposed to the bacterium that causes it. Your risk also increases if you’ve had a recent upper respiratory infection. Babies, children, teens, and the elderly are at greatest risk.
What Are The Side Effects From The Meningococcal Vaccines
With any vaccine, there is the potential of a severe allergic reaction within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. But the likelihood that the meningococcal vaccines would cause a severe reaction is extremely slight.
About one out of every two people who get the shot experience mild reactions such as redness or a mild pain where the shot was given. Those usually go away in one to two days. A small percentage of people develop a mild fever.
There have been reports that a few people have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving MCV4. But experts say it occurs so rarely that it’s not possible to tell if it’s related to the vaccine or coincidental.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Tdap Shot Cost At Cvs
What Should I Tell My Health Care Provider Before I Take This Medicine
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bleeding disorder
- history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
- immune system problems
- an unusual or allergic reaction to diphtheria toxoid, meningococcal vaccine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
What Is Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus . Meningococcal disease is not very common in the United States, but teens and young adults are at increased risk.
The two most common types of infections are
Recommended Reading: Tdap Shot Cvs
How Is Meningococcal Disease Spread And Who Is Most At Risk
Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as other illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. But it is spread by contact with infected respiratory and throat secretions. That can happen with coughing, kissing, or sneezing.
Because the risk increases with close or prolonged contact with an infected person, family members in the same household and caregivers are at an increased risk. For the same reason, so are college students who live in dormitories.
Meningococcal Disease: Very Serious Often Deadly
The two most common types of meningococcal infections are meningitis and bloodstream infection, both of which can quickly become deadly. Three serogroups of meningococcal bacteria cause most meningococcal disease in the United States: B, C, and Y.
If you have symptoms of meningococcal disease, seek medical care right away. Symptoms of meningococcal disease can first appear as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen.
Also Check: Pertussis Vaccine Cvs
Who Should Not Get The Vaccine
Speak with your health care provider if you or your child have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine, or any component of the vaccine.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness.
However, if you have concerns speak with your health care provider.
How And When Should You Receive The Meningococcal Vaccine
In most cases, adults only need one dose. But if you remain at risk, you may need a booster.
Some adults may need another type of meningitis vaccine, the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, if they are exposed to this virus through work or travel or if they have a damaged or missing spleen, or certain immune system disorders.
You May Like: Cvs Tdap Vaccine
Protect Yourself With An Experienced Vaccine Injury Lawyer
Meningococcal disease can cause serious infection of the blood and the tissues around the spinal cord and brain.Neisseria meningitidis bacteria also called meningococcus, are spread through saliva or spit and close or ongoing contact. Though not the only cause of meningitis, meningococcus is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. for children 2 to 18 years old. Of the more than 1,000 individuals affected each year, 10-15% will die as a result of this disease. Nearly 20% of the remaining survivors will lose a limb, develop nervous system disorders, become deaf, or suffer cognitive disabilities, seizures, or strokes.
Suffering from MCV4 vaccine side effects? Our experiencedvaccine injury lawyers can help you seek justice for your pain. Contact Jeffrey S. Pop & Associatesfor a consultation!
Anyone can acquire meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than a year old and individuals aged 16-21. Certain medical conditions, such as a lack of a spleen, can create increased risk. Recent outbreaks on college campuses nationwide have highlighted the threats to students living in dorms, and therefore have amplified the number of vaccinations being given. In the United States, there are two kinds of meningococcal vaccines available. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is given to individuals 55 years of age and younger.
What Should Physicians Do
Parents and families should be informed of the risks of meningococcal disease, and the benefits and risks of immunization. All provinces presently fund immunization programs that use monovalent meningococcal C conjugate vaccines during infancy . MCV4 adds three sero-types to these programs. MCV4 can be offered to children older than two years of age previously immunized with a meningococcal C conjugate vaccine to reduce the risk of meningococcal infection due to other serogroups . MCV4 is currently covered by the Ministry of Health in some, but not all, provinces. Thus, parents should be aware that this booster vaccine may be an additional expense. The length of immunity is not known for either MCV4 or meningococcal C conjugate vaccines, and booster doses may be necessary in adulthood to achieve optimal protection.
You May Like: How Much Is Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Meningococcal Vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide
For health professionals
Latest partial content update :
: The chapter has been updated to align with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization Statement : The Use of Bivalent Factor H Binding Protein Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine for the Prevention of Meningococcal B Disease.
Updates include:
MenB-fHBP vaccine may be considered as an option for use in individuals 10 years of age and older in situations when a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine should be offered:
MenB-fHBP vaccine may be considered as an option for individuals 1025 years of age who are not at higher risk of meningococcal disease than the general population, but who wish to reduce their risk of invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease.
Last complete chapter revision: May 2015
What Are Meningococcal Quadrivalent Vaccines

Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccines protect against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, Y and W-135. The vaccines are either polysaccharide or conjugate vaccines. While both types of vaccines are approved by Health Canada, the conjugate vaccines are used in B.C. because they provide longer lasting protection against disease.
Also Check: Does Cvs Pharmacy Give Tdap Vaccine
How Is Menactra Given
Menactra is given as an injection into a muscle.
Menactra is recommended if:
-
you’ve been exposed to an outbreak of meningococcal disease
-
you are in the military
-
you work in a laboratory and are exposed to meningococcal bacteria
-
you live in a dormitory or other group housing
-
you live in or travel to an area where meningococcal disease is common
-
you have a medical problem affecting your spleen, or your spleen has been removed
-
you use a medicine called eculizumab or ravulizumab or
-
you have an immune system disorder called “complement component deficiency.”
Menactra is usually given only once to adults and children 2 years and older. You may need a booster dose if you have a high risk of meningococcal infection and it has been at least 4 years since you last received this vaccine. Younger children will need to receive 2 doses.
Your booster schedule may be different. Follow the guidelines provided by your doctor or local health department.
Be sure to receive all recommended doses of Menactra or you may not be fully protected against disease.
There are other types of meningococcal vaccine available. When you receive a booster dose, make sure you are receiving a vaccine for meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, or Y and not for serogroup B.
Which Meningococcal Vaccines Are Available
In the U.S., three meningococcal vaccines are available:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine , sold as Menomune
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine , sold as Menactra, MenHibrix, and Menveo.
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, sold asTrumenba and Bexsero.
MPSV4 and MCV4 can prevent four types of meningococcal disease, which make up about 70% of the cases in the U.S.
The MenB vaccines prevent the Meningococcal B strain.
MCV4 is preferred for people age 55 and younger. The recommendation for teens is one dose at age 11 and one dose at age 16. The doctor or nurse injects one dose into the muscle. If MCV4 is not available, you can use MPSV4. The doctor or nurse injects one dose beneath the skin.
MPSV4 is the only meningococcal vaccine approved for use in people over 55.
The MenB vaccines are recommended for ages 10-24, by the CDC for high risk patients, but can also be used in older adults. Trumenba is administered in three doses while Bexsero requires two doses.
Read Also: Does Cvs Give Tetanus Shots
Who Should Not Get Vaccinated Or Should Wait
- Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MCV4 or MPSV4 vaccine or diphtheria vaccine
- Anyone who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine
- For more information on additional warnings and precautions visit
Experiencing Shoulder Pain After A Vaccine Or Surgical Procedure
If you are experiencing a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, and/or brachial neuritis after a surgical procedure or after receiving a vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation. Oftentimes, these procedures can causesharp shoulder pain at the site of the injection. If you’ve felt permanent swelling or tenderness that lasts 6 or more months after the procedure, contact our firm immediately.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is The Tdap Vaccine At Cvs