Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? The meningococcal (mih-nin-jo-KOK-ul) polysaccharide (pah-lee-SAK-uh-ride) vaccine (MPV) protects you from certain types of meningococcal infections (in-FECK-shuns). It is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. MPV can be given at the same time as other vaccines and is usually given to you only once.

What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria (germ) called meningococcus. It is spread from person to person by mouth and nose secretions (suh-CREE-shuns). Secretions are tiny droplets from breathing, saliva (spit) from the mouth, and liquid that comes out of your nose. The disease can be spread by kissing people who have the germ. It may also be spread by eating and drinking from the same dishes as others who have the germ. Meningococcal disease may cause the following:

• Meningitis (men-in-JI-tis). This is an infection around the spinal cord and brain.
  
  
• Blood infections.
  
  
• Death.

Who should get MPV and when should they get it? MPV is not given to everyone. It is usually given to people for a certain reason. MPV begins to protect you from disease 1 to 2 weeks after you get it. This shot protects you from the disease for 3 to 5 years. Special reasons to get MPV include:

• College students. MPV is often recommended for college and university students, especially those living in dormitories (student housing).
  
  
• Military. MPV is a required shot for everyone in the U.S. military.
  
  
• Travelers. If you live, work, or travel in areas where meningococcal infections are common, get a MPV shot.
  
  
• Anyone over 2 years old with a high risk of infection. Some children and adults with certain risk factors may need the vaccine. A caregiver will decide if a person is at a higher risk of getting meningococcal infection. These risk factors include:
  
  
  • A weak immune system (your body cannot fight infections very well). This may be caused by a problem with the cells and proteins in your body. It may also be caused by other health problems like HIV infection. Also medicines such as chemotherapy (cancer treatments) or steroids make your immune system weak.
    
    
  • No spleen (an organ in the body) or a spleen that does not work properly. This includes people with sickle cell disease.

How many times should I get MPV? Usually MPV is given only once. You may need another shot if:

• You live for over 3 years in an area where meningococcal infections are common or epidemic (widespread).
  
  
• Your child may need more than one shot if the first one was given before he was 4 years old. MPV protects babies and young children for only 2 to 3 years.
  
  
• You are at high risk for getting infections.

Who should NOT get MPV?

• A person who has had an allergic (uh-LER-jik) reaction to MPV or other vaccines in the past.
  
  
• A person with allergies to certain foods or vaccines. Tell your caregiver about all allergies and any medicines that you are taking before getting a vaccine.

What if I am sick or have a fever before getting MPV? If you are sick or have a fever, tell your caregiver before getting this vaccine. You should not get MPV while you have a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may get this vaccine.

What can I do if I have a fever and pain after the MPV? Ask your caregiver what medicine you should take for the pain or fever.

What are the risks from getting MPV?

• As with any medicine, this vaccine may cause some problems. The most common problems are redness, warmth, swelling, or pain where the shot was given. This may last for 1 to 2 days. You may also get a mild fever. Most people do not have any serious reactions to this vaccine.
  
  
• Sometimes, people are allergic to a vaccine. Signs of an allergic reaction to vaccines may include hives or red skin, especially around your ears. Other signs are itchy hands and feet, or swelling of your eyelids, face, or inside your nose. You may have trouble breathing or swallowing. You may suddenly feel very tired or weak.

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

• Call or go to your caregiver right away if you have hives, itching, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic if you are having trouble breathing or swallowing. Also call if you feel weak or tired suddenly. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
• Always tell your caregiver if you have a bad reaction to a vaccine. Your caregiver may have to complete a Vaccine Adverse Event Report. You may also contact the following:
  • Vaccine Adverse Event Report
    Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
    1401 Rockville Pike, Ste 200N
    Rockville, MD 20852-1448
    Phone: 1-800-835-4709
    Web Address: www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm
    

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about meningococcal disease and the MPV. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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