Meningococcal vaccine
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine · IAP (risk-based)
| When to give | Risk-based / outbreak / travel (e.g. Hajj). |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.5 mL IM. Quadrivalent A,C,Y,W-135 conjugate (Menactra: conj. to diphtheria toxoid; Menveo: to CRM197). Pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X-conjugate (MenFive): 5 µg each serogroup; A & X to TT, C/W/Y to CRM197. |
| Route | Intramuscular |
| Site | Deltoid (≥12 mo) / anterolateral thigh (<12 mo) |
| Schedule / interval | 9–23 mo: 2 doses 3 months apart. 24 mo–55 yr: single dose. MenFive: single dose (licensed 18–85 yr in India). |
Catch-up schedule
For ongoing meningococcal exposure, boosters every 5 years.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Local pain/redness; low-grade fever, malaise. No extra GBS risk. MenFive rarely anaphylaxis. Effectiveness ~80–85%.
Brands available in India
Menactra (Sanofi), Menveo (GSK), MenFive (pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X — SII)
Special considerations
Recommended only in SPECIAL situations — asplenia, complement deficiency, HIV, travellers (Hajj), hostel/dormitory entrants, outbreaks. MenFive contraindicated if hypersensitive to TT or CRM197. Store 2–8°C, do not freeze.
Common questions
When is the Meningococcal vaccine given?
Risk-based / outbreak / travel (e.g. Hajj).
What is the Meningococcal vaccine dose and route?
0.5 mL IM. Quadrivalent A,C,Y,W-135 conjugate (Menactra: conj. to diphtheria toxoid; Menveo: to CRM197). Pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X-conjugate (MenFive): 5 µg each serogroup; A & X to TT, C/W/Y to CRM197. Route: Intramuscular. Site: Deltoid (≥12 mo) / anterolateral thigh (<12 mo).
Can the Meningococcal vaccine be given late?
For ongoing meningococcal exposure, boosters every 5 years.
What are the side effects of the Meningococcal vaccine?
Local pain/redness; low-grade fever, malaise. No extra GBS risk. MenFive rarely anaphylaxis. Effectiveness ~80–85%.
Which Meningococcal vaccine brands are available in India?
Menactra (Sanofi), Menveo (GSK), MenFive (pentavalent A,C,Y,W,X — SII)
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.