Meningococcal vaccine/haemophilus B vaccine (By injection)

Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine (hee-MOF-i-lus B KON-joo-gate VAX-een), Meningococcal Vaccine, Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Bivalent (me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal VAX-een, TET-a-nus TOX-oyd KON-joo-gate bye-VAY-lent)

Prevents meningitis and flu.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to meningococcal polysaccharide or haemophilus B vaccines.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give this vaccine to your child. It is given as a shot into a muscle (usually in the thigh or upper arm).
  • The exact schedule for your child's vaccines will vary depending on your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child can receive the first dose of the vaccine as early as 6 weeks to 2 months of age. The remaining doses are usually given at 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.
  • Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one. You should receive information sheets about all of the vaccines your child receives. Make sure you understand all of the information that is given to you.

If a dose is missed:

  • It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your child's scheduled appointments.
  • If your child does miss a dose of this vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child also uses medicines that weaken the immune system, such as cancer medicines, radiation treatment, or steroids.
  • Tell your doctor about all other vaccines your child has recently received, including a flu shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child has a weak immune system or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Tell your doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to a vaccine.
  • This vaccine is not a substitute for routine tetanus vaccination. This vaccine will not treat symptoms of meningococcal infection or flu if your child already has the disease.
  • Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects that occur after your child receives this vaccine. These side effects include apnea (breathing stops for short periods), muscle weakness, fainting, or a skin rash.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blurred vision, numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, or feet
  • Fainting, seizure
  • Fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Crying or irritability
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Redness, pain, swelling, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

All rights reserved

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and chrome browser.