Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine injection

July 17, 2018

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine injection

What is this medicine?

MENINGOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE (muh ning goh KOK kal vak SEEN) is a vaccine to protect from bacterial meningitis. This vaccine does not contain live bacteria. It will not cause a meningitis.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A copy of the Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever over 102 degrees F

  • muscle weakness

  • unusual drooping or paralysis of face

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • chills

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • muscle aches and pains

  • pain at site where injected

  • tired

What may interact with this medicine?

  • adalimumab

  • anakinra

  • etanercept

  • infliximab

  • medicines for organ transplant

  • medicines to treat cancer

  • other vaccines

  • some medicines for arthritis

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • fever or infection

  • history of Guillain-Barre syndrome

  • immune system problems

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to meningococcal vaccine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone.

Report any side effects that are worrisome to your doctor right away.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018