Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

This vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually given only once. Children and people who have higher risks of meningococcal infection may need a repeat dose of this vaccine 2 or 3 years after receiving the first shot.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended in the following situations:

• for people who do not have a spleen;
• for laboratory workers who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria;
• for people who live in dormitories or other group housing; and
• for people who travel or live among certain populations where meningococcal outbreak is common.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to give your child.

It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring in a child who has a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

Since the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually given only once, you are not likely to miss a dose. Contact your doctor if you do not receive all recommended doses.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended if:

• you are older than 55 years and you live in or travel to an area where meningococcal disease is common; or

• you have been exposed to an outbreak of meningococcal disease.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually given only once. Children and people who have higher risks of meningococcal infection may need a repeat dose of this vaccine.

Follow your doctor's instructions or the immunization schedule recommended by your local health department.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.