meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine at a glance
Medicine class
Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Coverage
Groups A, C, W135 and Y; not group B.
Administration
Intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm.
Live vaccine
No. It cannot cause meningococcal infection.
What is meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine used for?
Used to help prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W135 and Y.
Eligible teenagers and young adults who missed school vaccination.
People at risk because of an underlying condition or treatment, occupational exposure, travel, or close contact with a case.
How does meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine work?
Purified surface sugars from meningococcal groups A, C, W135 and Y are linked to a carrier protein. This helps produce bactericidal antibodies and immune memory.
How to take meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine
A trained healthcare professional gives it by intramuscular injection, usually into the upper arm. Other vaccines may be given at the same visit using separate injection sites.
Tell the vaccinator about severe previous vaccine reactions, current illness, immune-suppressing treatment, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulants.
Fainting can occur after needle procedures, so precautions may be taken to prevent injury.
meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, redness or firmness at the injection site
- Headache
- Muscle or joint aches
- Feeling unwell
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Rash
- Fever or chills
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis
- Seizure
- Very extensive limb swelling or severe injection-site inflammation
meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine in pregnancy
Pregnancy is not itself a reason to withhold vaccination when a person is eligible or has a defined exposure risk. Direct Menveo pregnancy data are limited; discuss benefits and uncertainties with the vaccinator or prescriber.
meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine while breastfeeding
Vaccination is compatible with breastfeeding when clinically indicated. Menveo breastfeeding data are limited, but harmful exposure through milk is not expected.
meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine interactions
Considerations mainly concern immune response and injection safety.
Immunosuppressants
May reduce the antibody response, although vaccination may still be appropriate.
Other injectable vaccines
May be given at the same visit using separate injection sites.
Common questions about meningococcal Group A, C, W135 and Y conjugate vaccine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against MenB?
No. MenB and other causes of meningitis are not covered.
Can it cause meningococcal infection?
No. It contains no live meningococcal bacteria.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.