Children's Vaccines Health Center

Meningococcal Vaccine: What You Need to Know

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What should I do?

Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.

Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.     

Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form.Or you can file this report through the VAERS web site at www.vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

 VAERS does not provide medical advice.

7. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

A federal program exists to help pay for the care of anyone who has had a rare serious reaction to a vaccine.

For information about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit their website at http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.

8. How can I learn more?

• Ask your immunization provider.  They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. 
• Call your local or state health department. 
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
  • Visit CDC’s websites at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines
  • Visit CDC’s meningococcal disease website at http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial/faqs.htm
  • Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel