Meningococcal

About meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It can progress rapidly and lead to life-threatening inflammation of the brain (meningitis) and bloodstream infection (septicemia), Even healthy people can become very ill within a short time.  

 

The bacteria spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or contact with saliva. Some people may carry and spread the bacteria without having symptoms. 

 

Symptoms can develop suddenly and may include: 

  • High fever 
  • Severe headache 
  • Stiff neck 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Drowsiness or confusion 

  • Rash 

     

In severe cases, meningococcal disease can lead to meningitis (an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) or septicemia (a bloodstream infection). These serious conditions may result in permanent complications, such as hearing loss, brain damage, or limb amputation, and can be fatal. 

Although meningococcal disease is rare in Canada, it can affect healthy individuals of any age, progress rapidly, and become life-threatening. Vaccination remains the most effective protection. 

Resources

  • In Yukon, the Men‑ACYW‑135 vaccine is part of the routine immunization schedule. It is also recommended for individuals at higher risk of disease. 

    The vaccine is given by injection and protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: 

    • Type A 
    • Type C 
    • Type Y 
    • Type W‑135 

    Men‑ACYW‑135 is a conjugate vaccine and does not contain live bacteria. 

  • The Men-C-ACYW vaccine is free for: 

    • Individuals 12 months to 24 years of age 
    • Individuals at higher risk of meningococcal disease, including those with:  
      • Asplenia 
      • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) 
      • Solid organ transplant 
      • Congenital immunodeficiencies 
      • Receiving terminal complement inhibitor therapy 
    • Individuals identified during an outbreak, as directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Yukon Communicable Disease Control 

  • Most healthy people are recommended to receive: 

    • 1 dose between 12 months and 11 years of age and 
    • 1 dose between 12 and 24 years of age 

    If you or your child missed a dose, you may still be eligible to receive it. 

    People with high-risk medical conditions may need additional doses or booster doses. Talk to your health care provider or local health centre to find out what is recommended for you or your child. 

  • Some people at increased risk of meningococcal disease may need additional doses to maintain protection.  

     

    Individuals at higher risk of meningococcal disease who may require additional vaccine doses include those with: 

    • Asplenia 
    • Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) 
    • Solid organ transplant 
    • Congenital immunodeficiency 
    • Use of terminal complement inhibitors 

     

    Your health care provider or public health nurse can advise whether additional doses are recommended.

    • Safe and highly effective protection against meningococcal disease 
    • Protects against 4 major types of meningococcal bacteria 
    • Helps to prevent severe illness, disability, and death 
    • Helps to reduce the spread of bacteria in the community 
    • Free for eligible people in Yukon 
    • 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.

Find out how to get immunized