Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine Side Effects

Some side effects of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. If you ever need to receive another meningococcal vaccine in the future, you will need to tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects.

Developing meningitis (infection of the spinal cord and lining of the brain) is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe weakness or unusual feeling in your arms and legs (may occur 2 to 4 weeks after you receive the vaccine);

• high fever; or

• unusual bleeding.

Less serious side effects of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine may include:

• low fever, chills;

• redness, pain, swelling, or a lump where the vaccine was injected;

• headache; or

• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection

General

General side effects have included headache malaise, chills and fever.

Local

Local side effects have included pain, tenderness, erythema and induration at the injection site.

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