Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine

Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. There are five common strains that cause serious illness: A, B, C, Y and W-135.

This infection can cause:

  • Meningitis: an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
  • Sepsis: a blood infection which often leads to organ damage.

The bacteria spread easily through close contact with saliva from the mouth or mucus from the nose of someone who has the disease. This includes:

  • Kissing, sneezing, or coughing
  • Living in the same household as someone who has meningococcal disease
  • Sharing items such as food, cutlery, drinks, lip chap or cigarettes/vapes

About 1 in 10 healthy individuals carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without feeling sick but they are still able spread it to others. Complications of meningococcal disease can include:

  • Long term hearing loss
  • Mental impairments
  • Seizures or brain damage
  • Limb amputations
  • Death (meningococcal disease kills one out of every 100 people infected)
Symptoms

Symptoms can appear suddenly, within hours or over a few days. They may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Confusion
  • A red or purple rash on the body that spreads quickly

In severe cases, a coma may also occur.

In infants, the common symptoms may be difficult to notice, such as:

  • Irritability (fussy or in a bad mood)
  • Trouble waking
  • Trouble feeding
  • Vomiting

Meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. If you think that you or your family member have any of these symptoms, call your health care provider right away.

Risks

Meningococcal disease can be deadly, and death can happen in as little as a few hours. In non-fatal cases, up to one-third of people with meningococcal disease will have a permanent disability such as:

  • hearing loss, brain damage or seizures
  • people who get a blood infection may require amputation of an arm or leg

Meningococcal disease is serious and it’s still common around the world. About 200 cases occur in Canada every year, often during the winter and spring. It can be difficult to diagnose because the early symptoms can be similar to a bad cold or the flu. The disease can also progress very rapidly, so quick medical attention is extremely important.

Meningococcal Vaccine

How does the meningococcal vaccine help?

The meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the most common and severe strains: A, B, C, Y, W-135.

Meningococcal vaccines are safe and effective, and provide strong protection. It is much safer to get meningococcal vaccines than to get meningococcal disease.

Who should get the vaccine?
  • Grade 7 students: Offered routinely in Ontario, and it is free until the end of Grade 12
  • Children: Required to attend school in Ontario and licensed daycare centers, unless they have a valid exemption
  • Adults at higher risk: People with certain medical conditions or those in close contact with a case. For more information on eligibility, see Table 3 of the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario

This vaccine is recommended, but not provided for free, for individuals:

  • That work in a high-risk job
  • Living or travelling in a high-risk area for meningococcal disease
  • Wanting added protected against meningococcal A, C, Y and W-135 strains.

It is important to note that effectiveness decreases over time. Booster doses may be recommended every 5 years for those at continued risk.

Who should not get the vaccine?

  • Anyone with a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients
  • Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past
  • Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold at the time of vaccination
  • Anyone who has been vaccinated within the past four weeks with another -C vaccine

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of a previous vaccine, please speak to a healthcare provider about getting this vaccine.

Why is the meningococcal vaccine given in grade 7?

The meningococcal vaccine is offered in Grade 7 because:

  • The vaccine protects against 4 of the most common and severe strains of meningococcal disease.
  • At this age, youth produce a stronger and longer-lasting immune response compared to adults.
Is the meningococcal vaccine free?

Some groups are eligible for the publicly funded (free) meningococcal vaccine in Ontario:

  • Youth in Grades 7-12
  • Individuals born in or after 1997
  • Individuals who meet certain high-risk criteria (e.g., HIV, acquired complement deficiencies, etc.). For more information on eligibility, see Table 3 of the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario. 

Outside of the publicly funded program, the cost of the meningococcal vaccine is approximately $160 per dose. Some private health insurance may cover it.

Does the meningococcal vaccine work?

There are two types of meningococcal vaccines routinely given as part of Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule. These include the Men-C-C vaccine which protects against the C strain of meningococcal disease and the Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine, which protects against the A, C, Y and W-135 strains, which are the most common and severe strains of meningococcal disease.

The Men C-C vaccine is given to children at one year of age and is 97 percent effective at protecting against the C strain. The Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine is given to students in grade 7 and is 80-85 percent effective at protecting against the A, C, Y and W-135 strains

If your child received Men-C-C vaccine as an infant, they should still receive the Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine as it offers protection against additional strains.

Is the meningococcal vaccine safe?

Yes, the meningococcal vaccine is safe and well tolerated. It is approved and recommended by Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) based on decades of research on effectiveness and safety.

Learn more about the safety of the Meningococcal vaccine from Health Canada.

Potential side effects

Like any medicine or medical treatment, vaccines can have side effects. However, the meningococcal vaccine side effects that may occur are usually mild and go away within a few days.

Common side effects or reactions include:

  • Soreness, redness and/or swelling at the injection site
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle aches

Severe allergic reactions (i.e. anaphylaxis) are very rare. It is recommended that you stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine as this is the most common timeframe when anaphylaxis occurs.

How can I manage the side effects of the vaccine?

If pain or swelling at the injection site occurs, consider applying a cool, wet cloth or wrapped ice pack over the area. Tylenol ® or Advil ® can also be taken for fever or soreness.

Seek medical attention right away if you notice:

  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips
  • A seizure
  • A fever lasting more than 3 days
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Where can I get the meningococcal vaccine?
  • Grade 7-8 students: At school clinics run by WDG Public Health for free as part of the Grade 7 school immunization clinics.
  • Grades 9-12 students: At high school immunization clinics for free run by WDG Public Health.
  • Anyone may also get the Meningococcal vaccine at their local public health unit or from their primary care provider (i.e., family doctor, nurse practitioner).

To book an appointment with WDG Public Health, call 519-822-2715 ext. 7006

More information