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Side Effects of the Menactra Vaccine

Two meningococcal vaccines are available in the United States: Menomune (MPSV4) and Menactra (MCV4). Because of certain advantages, MCV is recommended for all people ages 2 through 55 years, while only MPSV can be used for high-risk individuals older than 55. However, MCV may be linked to a serious side effect.

  1. Injection Site Effect

    • According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to half the people who receive either vaccine have pain or redness at the injection site. This side effect lasts for a day or two and is more common with the Menactra vaccine.

    Fever

    • Additionally, a small percentage of people develop a fever after receiving either vaccine.

    Guillain-Barré Syndrome

    • As of February 2008, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) had received 26 reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) developing after administration of the Menactra vaccine. Twenty-four of these individuals were between 11 to 19 years old, and symptoms began within 6 weeks.

    Precautions

    • Because the GBS incidence is so low--26 of over 15 million doses--the VAERS has been unable to determine if the connection is valid. However, people with a history of GBS are advised to avoid receiving this vaccine.

    Considerations

    • A person should not receive the Menactra vaccine if he has had an allergic reaction to latex rubber or to a meningococcal or diphtheria vaccine. Additionally, because any vaccine has the potential to cause serious side effects, anyone with a weakened immune system caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, steroids or other factors likely cannot receive the Menactra vaccine.

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