How do you take Meningococcal A Polysaccharide?

This is not a drug you take at home; it is given as a single injection by a healthcare worker at a hospital, clinic, or during vaccination campaigns. Adults receive one dose injected into the muscle of the upper arm. No food restrictions apply.

What are the side effects of Meningococcal A Polysaccharide?

Pain, redness or swelling where the injection was given, mild fever, headache, body tiredness. These usually go away within 1–3 days and are signs your body is building protection.

Who should not take Meningococcal A Polysaccharide?

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine or any of its ingredients should not take it. People who are currently very ill with high fever should wait until they recover before getting vaccinated.

Prescription

Vaccine (Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine)

Meningococcal A Polysaccharide

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Meningococcal A Polysaccharide vaccine is a vaccine that helps your body build protection against meningitis caused by the Neisseria meningitidis group A bacteria. It works by training your immune system to recognize and fight this specific germ before it can make you sick.

How it works

Activates the adaptive immune system by presenting meningococcal group A polysaccharide capsular antigen to B lymphocytes, stimulating production of specific antibodies that opsonize and enhance complement-mediated killing of meningococcal bacteria, thereby preventing invasive disease and meningitis.

What is it used for?

Prevention of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) caused by meningococcal group A bacteria, the type that causes the deadly meningitis outbreaks common in northern Nigeria and the African meningitis belt

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Meningitis Vaccines & Immunisation

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only receive this vaccine from a certified health facility, government vaccination campaign, or a licensed pharmacy. Never buy vaccines from unregistered sellers as they may not have been stored properly. Stay at the vaccination centre for at least 15–30 minutes after your injection so health workers can watch for any serious reaction. Keep your vaccination card safe as proof of immunization.

Common Side Effects

Pain
redness or swelling where the injection was given
mild fever
headache
body tiredness. These usually go away within 1–3 days and are signs your body is building protection.

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rash all over the body): go to the hospital immediately. High fever that does not come down with paracetamol or unusual weakness should also be reported to a doctor right away.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking drugs that weaken your immune system (such as steroids or cancer medications), the vaccine may not work as well, so tell your doctor. There are no known food or alcohol interactions, but it is wise to avoid alcohol on the day of vaccination to reduce the chance of feeling unwell.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Consult your doctor before taking this vaccine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should only be given during pregnancy if the risk of meningitis is very high, such as during an outbreak.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine or any of its ingredients should not take it. People who are currently very ill with high fever should wait until they recover before getting vaccinated.

How to Store

This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. It should never be frozen or left in the heat. Nigerian weather can destroy the vaccine quickly if left outside a cold chain. This is why you should only receive it from a proper health facility, not from roadside vendors or unregistered sources. Keep away from children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.