Meningococcal

Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C-C) Vaccine

• The Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C-C) vaccine is part of the routine Yukon Children’s Immunization Program.
• The Men-C-C vaccine is a 2 dose series, given at 2 months of age and again at 1 year of age. Children with specific medical conditions may need an additional dose at 4 months of age.

The Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate vaccine (Men C- ACYW-135)

• The Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate vaccine (Men C- ACYW-135) is part of the routine Yukon Children’s Immunization Program.
• Men C- ACYW-135 is given to children in Grade 9.
• This vaccine is also provided free to children and adults at high risk of meningococcal disease, such as those with certain medical conditions and those who have been in close contact with a person with meningococcal disease.

• Meningococcal C disease is caused by a bacteria.
• It can lead to life-threatening infections, including infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood infection.
• It spreads easily between people by coughing, sneezing or contact with spit from an infected person.
• Meningococcal bacteria can be carried and spread by people with no symptoms.
• Symptoms may include:
  • high fever;
  • severe headaches;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting; and
  • rashes.
• Meningococcal disease develops very fast and if not treated right away it could quickly lead to complications, including permanent brain damage, deafness, loss of limbs or death.
• Up to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal infection will die, even if they receive treatment.

• This vaccine is safe and very effective.
• The meningococcal vaccine is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease and its complications.
• When you or your child get vaccinated, you help protect the spread to others too.
• This vaccination is free in the Yukon to the groups listed above.

• Common reactions to the immunization may include redness, tenderness and swelling at the injection site. Some may develop a fever, irritability or discomfort. These are generally mild and last 1 to 2 days.
• Side effects of the vaccination are easily relieved by applying a cold and damp compress to the site and administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen for temperatures 38.5°C or higher. See your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours.
• It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number.