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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine (Menomune A/C/Y/W-135)?

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a meningococcal vaccine, or if you are allergic to a preservative called thimerosol.

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• any condition that weakens the immune system (such as HIV, AIDS, or cancer);
• if you are receiving steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments; or
• if you are allergic to latex rubber.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of this vaccine on the baby.

It is not known whether meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This vaccine should not be given to anyone younger than 3 months old.

How is this vaccine given (Menomune A/C/Y/W-135)?

This vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually given only once. Children and people who have higher risks of meningococcal infection may need a repeat dose of this vaccine 2 or 3 years after receiving the first shot.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended in the following situations:

• for people who do not have a spleen;
• for laboratory workers who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria;
• for people who live in dormitories or other group housing; and
• for people who travel or live among certain populations where meningococcal outbreak is common.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to give your child.

It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring in a child who has a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

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