Meningococcal conjugate vaccine Disease Interactions

Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) may be at increased risk of GBS following receipt of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The decision to give this vaccine should take into account the potential benefits and risks.

In patients with thrombocytopenia or coagulation disorders, IM injections may produce bleeding and hematomas. Patients with a platelet count less than 50,000/mm3 are at an increased risk. Caution is advised if the vaccine (e.g., plague vaccine; hepatitis A and B vaccines; aluminum-adsorbed DTaP, DTP, DT, or Td) must be administered IM. The risk of bleeding may be minimized by vaccination immediately after the administration of replacement factor, use of a 23-gauge (or smaller) needle, and immediate application of direct pressure to the vaccination site for at least 2 minutes.

The expected antibody responses may not be obtained when live attenuated vaccines and/or toxoids are administered to immunosuppressed persons, including those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Caution and close monitoring is advised.