Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Applies to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: intramuscular kit, intramuscular solution, intramuscular suspension.

Other side effects

Some side effects of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• chills
• diarrhea
• fever
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• vomiting

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine:

Incidence not known

• chest tightness
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• inability to move arms and legs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were injection site pain, headache, irritability, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (48.1%), injection site redness (16%), injection site induration (11%), injection site tenderness
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site swelling, injection site hematoma
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site reaction
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Severe local reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Extensive limb swelling at the injection site (frequently associated with erythema, sometimes involving the adjacent joint or swelling of the entire injected limb)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (41.8%), drowsiness (11.2%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypoesthesia, dizziness
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Somnolence, neurological reactions
• Postmarketing reports: Vasovagal syncope, paresthesia, Guillain-Barre syndrome^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (32.3%), malaise (22.3%), fever
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, febrile reactions (>38C)
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, influenza-like symptoms^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability (12.2%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Insomnia, crying^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (16%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia, pain in extremity
• Postmarketing reports: Musculoskeletal stiffness^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Appetite lost
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia
• Postmarketing reports: Decreased appetite^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, nausea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria, angioedema
• Postmarketing reports: Angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Local axillary lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity (such as rash, urticaria, pruritus, dyspnea, angioedema), allergic reactions (including anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Upper respiratory tract illness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Wheeze^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: IgA nephropathy^[Ref]

Further information

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer