Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by an infection from meningococci bacteria (germ). The germ may infect different parts of your body. It may cause serious disease, such as meningitis. Meningitis is an infection and swelling of the fluid and lining that covers your brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or kisses another person. It can also spread when a person who has the disease shares dishes with other people.

What is the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine may protect you from certain types of meningococcal disease. The vaccine begins to protect you 1 to 2 weeks after you get it and should protect you for 3 to 5 years. The meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV) is used when the newer meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) is not available or if you are 56 years old or older. The MPV is given as a shot, usually in your upper arm.

Who should get the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

Meningococcal vaccine is given to adults and children who are at high risk for meningococcal disease. Those at high risk include:

• First-year college students who have not been vaccinated, especially if they live in dormitories
  
  
• People in the military
  
  
• Travelers to countries where meningococcal disease is common or during an outbreak of the disease
  
  
• Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal germs
  
  
• People who are not able to fight infections well, such as those with:
  
  
  • Injury to or loss of their spleen
    
    
  • Persistent complement component deficiency
    
    
  • HIV infection

Who should not get the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

Those who should not receive the MPV vaccine include:

• Children younger than 2 years old
  
  
• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to the MPV or any component of the vaccine in the past
  
  
• Anyone with allergies to certain foods, latex, thimerosal (mercury), or vaccines
  
  
• People who are moderately or very ill, or people who have a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher

What are the risks of getting the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

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 not feel well or get a headache or mild fever. Most people do not have an allergic response to the MPV.

What should I do for a serious allergic response to the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

Tell your caregivers that you received the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Tell them the date and time it was given. Call 911 if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• Your face is red or swollen.
  
  
• You have hives or a rash that spreads over your body. Hives are red, itchy bumps that may cause the skin to feel like it is burning.
  
  
• You feel weak or dizzy.
  
  
• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You lose consciousness (pass out).

Where can I get more information about the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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