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Overview: The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is used to prevent bacterial meningitis and other serious infections caused by certain types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against certain types of bacteria that cause meningitis and other serious infections. Common side effects include pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling near where the needle went in, muscle pain, and headache. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine comes as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is the meningococcal ACWY vaccine used for?

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is also known as the serogroup A, C, W, and Y, or quadrivalent, meningococcal vaccine. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is commonly used to prevent bacterial meningitis and other serious infections caused by certain types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that can lead to brain damage or death if not treated right away.

See also: Meningococcal B Vaccine and Meningococcal ABCWY Vaccine

How does the meningococcal ACWY vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against certain groups of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that cause meningitis and other serious infections. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

The most common side effects of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the specific product used and the age of the patient. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling near where the needle went in
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Crankiness, crying that won’t stop, and sleepiness (infants and children)

There may be other side effects of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not get the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, quadrivalent
  • Meningococcal (groups A, C, Y, W) conjugate vaccine
  • MenACWY-TT
  • MenACWY-CRM
  • Menactra
  • MenQuadfi
  • Menveo
  • A vaccine that contains diphtheria or tetanus toxoid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific meningococcal ACWY vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about the meningococcal ACWY vaccine before using it?

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after getting the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

Your health care provider will find out if you need this vaccine and when to get it. Follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, including fainting or Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  • A weak immune system, you get infections easily, or you take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

Premature Birth. If your infant is getting the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, tell the health care provider if they were born prematurely. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before getting the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how the meningococcal ACWY vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if the meningococcal ACWY vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should get the meningococcal ACWY vaccine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does the meningococcal ACWY vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between the meningococcal ACWY vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect the meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

Does the meningococcal ACWY vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, along with any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any medicines or treatments that suppress your immune system such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much meningococcal ACWY vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine?

If you miss an appointment for the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. It is important to follow the vaccine schedule recommended by your health care provider.