Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by meningococcal bacteria and spread through direct contact with the nose or throat secretions of an infected person. These bacteria can cause:
- Meningococcal meningitis: An inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal column. Even with treatment, about 1 of every 20 children will die.
- Meningococcemia (even more serious): An infection of the blood and parts of the body. Even with treatment, about 1 of every 2 children will die or have permanent damage.
What are the risks of getting meningococcal disease?
- Most people who are in contact with the bacteria don’t become sick. Of these, 1 in 5 carries the bacteria in the nose and throat and can pass it on to others. They may become healthy carriers.
- The disease can develop in all age groups. Babies, children under 5 and young adults between 15 and 19 are affected most often.
- On average, 200-400 people in Canada get meningococcal disease each year. Of those, 10-15% will die. Others will have serious problems including deafness, mental disabilities, seizures, strokes or nervous system disorders.
Getting the meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
How well does the vaccine work?
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is 90-95% effective in children under 2 years old.
What is in the vaccine?
- There are no live bacteria or viruses in the vaccine-the vaccine is made with tiny amounts of each of the viruses or bacteria that have been killed. This means that you can’t get the diseases from the vaccine.
When is the vaccine given?
- Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine is given to children at 2, 4 and 12 months old.
- Meningococcal quadrivalent (A, C, Y, W-135) conjugate vaccine is given in grade 9.
- Older children and adults at risk may be given a different meningococcal vaccine.
What are the risks with immunization?
- Reactions may include mild pain or swelling where the needle was given. There can also be more general symptoms such as headache, sore muscles and nausea.
As with any vaccine, unexpected or unusual reactions can happen. Severe allergic reactions are very rare (2 per 1 million doses of vaccine).