Who should receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine?

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is a routine vaccine [recommended](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html#should) for all children 11 to 12 years old. People who are [high risk](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html#should) for meningococcal disease should also receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The immunization schedule and recommendations for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine in high-risk [children](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html#note-mening) and [adults](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html#note-mening) depends on the brand you receive, your age, and what other medical conditions you have. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

Can I get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes, pregnant women who have a high risk for group A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease [should get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html#who-should-not-get-vaccines). Talk with your provider if you're pregnant and not sure if you need this vaccine.

Menactra

meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Used for Meningitis

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to lower your risk of getting sick from a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). It's a 2-dose series given to adolescents, typically starting at around 11 and 12 years old. Some younger children and adults might also need to get this vaccine, depending on their health conditions or where they live or work. There are 3 brands of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine available and your provider will pick the one you need based on your age and medical conditions.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 25, 2022

What is The meningococcal conjugate vaccine?

What is The meningococcal conjugate vaccine used for?

Prevention of group A, C, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease

How The meningococcal conjugate vaccine works

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, Y and W strains of N. meningitidis. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.

Are you looking for information on meningococcal group B vaccine (Bexsero) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsMenveo, Menactra, MenQuadfi

Drug ClassVaccine

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of The meningococcal conjugate vaccine

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Side effects reported by adolescents across all 3 the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenQuadfi, Menveo, and Menactra)

Pain at injection site (34-45%)
Feeling sluggish (11-35%)
Headache (27-30%)
Redness at injection site (5-15%)
Swelling at injection site (5-11%)

Less Common Side Effects

Vomiting
Fever
Diarrhea
Rash
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Low appetite

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Breathing problems for premature babies (for Menveo only): not breathing for 15 or 20 seconds at a time, not breathing for less than 15 seconds at a time with slow heart rate

Source: DailyMed

The following The meningococcal conjugate vaccine side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

More common

Chills

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Back pain, sudden and severe

blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

confusion

cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast heartbeat

flushing or redness of the skin

hives or welts

inability to move the arms and legs

itching

muscle weakness, sudden and progressing

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

seizures

shortness of breath

skin rash

sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs

sweating

tightness in the chest

unusually warm skin

wheezing

Some side effects 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

Crying

diarrhea

difficulty with moving

drowsiness

irritability

loss of appetite

muscle pain or stiffness

pain in the joints

pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more The meningococcal conjugate vaccine side effects

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$182.32(Save 20.47%)

GoodRx discount

$145.00

See prices

Pros and cons of The meningococcal conjugate vaccine

Pros

Readily available and easy to find at most pharmacies
Can receive any brand for the second dose, regardless of the previous brand received, as long as it's approved for your age group
Doesn't contain latex

Cons

Can only be given as an injection into the muscle
Can only be given by a healthcare provider
Can't receive the meningococcal conjugate vaccine if you've had an allergic reaction to diphtheria or tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (e.g, DTaP or Tdap) in the past

Pharmacist tips for The meningococcal conjugate vaccine

If you're traveling, check if the meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for your destination.
Possible side effects include redness/soreness at injection site, muscle pain, headache, and feeling tired. If any of these occur, they usually last for 1 to 2 days.
Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar of when you need to go in for all your the meningococcal conjugate vaccine injections so that you receive your doses on time and stay fully protected against meningococcal disease.
Make sure to keep a record of all your immmunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.
You can receive any of the 3 brands (Menveo, Menactra, MenQuadfi), regardless of the brand of your previous dose, as long as your age group is approved for use in the brand to be used. For example, since MedQuadfi is approved in adults and children 2 years of age and older, a 1 year-old child can receive only either Menactra or Menveo, but not MedQuadfi.
Wait until you're healthy to get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, you can still get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
If you experience a severe reaction to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

Common questions about Menactra

Menactra is a routine vaccine recommended for all children 11 to 12 years old. People who are high risk for meningococcal disease should also receive Menactra. The immunization schedule and recommendations for Menactra in high-risk children and adults depends on the brand you receive, your age, and what other medical conditions you have. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs Menactra.

The 3 brands of Menactra, Menactra, Menveo, and MenQuadfi, all work well to prevent meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W, and Y N. meningitidis. The main difference is which age group can use which vaccine. Menactra is used in people age 9 months to 55 years, Menveo is used in people age 2 months to 55 years, and MenQuadfi is used in people 2 years of age and older. The recommendations for each brand also differ for people who are at high risk for meningococcal disease based on age cut-offs, number of doses required, and medical conditions. Bexsero and Trumenba are two brands of the meningococcal group B vaccine, which targets group B N. meningitidis. The meningococcal group B vaccine is also a routine vaccine given in addition to Menactra.

Menactra lowers your risk for meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis, which is often severe and can be life-threatening. The bacteria is typically spread through coughing or kissing someone who's infected, although it's not as easily spread as the cold or flu. The two most common parts of the body affect by the bacteria are the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and the bloodstream. Common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck (meningitis only), vomiting, and fatigue. While there are several antibiotics available to treat these infections, people with meningococcal disease are at high risk for severe complications, including death. It's best to receive Menactra for the most protection.

Menactra is given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy and give to yourself at home. Children who qualify can receive Menactra at any facility that's enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program at no cost. You can also receive Menactra at your provider's office or your local pharmacy, but it's likely available at certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).

Yes, pregnant women who have a high risk for group A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease should get Menactra. Talk with your provider if you're pregnant and not sure if you need this vaccine.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Risks and warnings for The meningococcal conjugate vaccine

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Severe allergic reactions

Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines

As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

Weakened immune system

Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can put you at higher risk of meningococcal disease, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease) or cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medications), don't get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine until you've talked with your provider first.

Fainting

Risk factors: Fainting after vaccines in the past

Injectable vaccines, such as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, can cause fainting in some rare cases. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, a tingling sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after vaccines in the past so they can monitor you.

Breathing issues in premature babies (for Menveo only)

Risk factors: Premature birth

Vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like Menveo, can raise the risk of apnea in babies who were born prematurely. This is a condition where babies have a temporary pause in their breathing, with or without a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of receiving the meningococcal conjugate vaccine with your child's provider.

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)

Risk factors: Older adults

Although very rare, some people have reported getting GBS after they've received the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine dosage

The average cost for 1 vial of 0.5ml of The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is $145.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.47% off the average retail price of $182.32.

Vial

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
0.5ml	1 vial	$145.00	$145.00

See more The meningococcal conjugate vaccine dosage

Interactions between The meningococcal conjugate vaccine and other drugs

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with The meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more The meningococcal conjugate vaccine interactions

How much does The meningococcal conjugate vaccine cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Menactra (brand)

GoodRx lowest price

$145.00

(save 20.47%)

View prices and coupons

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because The meningococcal conjugate vaccine will not be safe for you to take.