Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine
Why get vaccinated?
Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine may prevent serious illnesses that may occur following infection with thebacteria, Neisseria meningitidis.
Infection with Neisseria meningitidis can cause serious life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and bloodstreaminfections.
Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine does not contain the bacteria. It works by triggering the body to makeantibodies against the bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.
There are different types ofNeisseria meningitidis bacteria. Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine provides protection against 4 common disease-causing types (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) therefore it does not provide complete protection.
How is the vaccine given?
Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine comes as a solution (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.
Infants 2 months of age: given as 4 doses given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to18 months of age.
Children 6 through 23 months of age: given as 2 doses given at least 3 months apart, with the second dose given after 1 year of age.
Children and adults 2 though 55 years of age: given as a single dose.
What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?
Tell your vaccine provider if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- havehad a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causesnumbness in the extremities, muscle pain, difficulty walking or standing, andparalysis often triggered by an infection) or have a weakened immune system dueto a condition or medication you are receiving.
- are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.
What are the risks from vaccination?
Side effects that have been reported with meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine include:
- pain,redness, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- irritability
- unusual crying
- fatigue
- sleepiness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- change in appetite
- muscle or joint aches and pains
- headache
- fever
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash,shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat
- numbnessin the extremities, muscle pain, difficulty walking or standing, paralysis
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.
How can I learn more?
- Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
- Ask your healthcare provider.
- Call your local or state health department.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.
