The MenC vaccine has an excellent safety record.
In studies done on this vaccine, all age groups tolerated the vaccine well and the most common reactions seen were:
- swelling, redness and pain around the injection site
- fever (more common in infants and toddlers)
- vomiting
- irritability (more common in infants and toddlers)
- headaches (older children and adults)
- crying (infants)
- drowsiness (more common in infants and toddlers)
This vaccine has been given safely to children with medical conditions including asthma, eczema, congenital heart disease, epilepsy and kidney conditions.
Rare side effects
In rare cases, children can have an allergic reaction to the MenC vaccine soon after vaccination. This may be a rash or itching that affects part or all of the body.
In very rare cases, children may have an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) within a few minutes of the vaccination. This can cause breathing difficulties and the child may collapse. The doctor or nurse giving the vaccine will know how to treat these reactions.
If you are concerned that your child has had a reaction to the MenC vaccine, talk to your doctor, nurse or health visitor.
