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Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2023.

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

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

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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection.

General

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]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. Menomune (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine). Sanofi Pasteur Limited. 2015.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer