Meningococcal-C Conjugate Vaccine for Routine Immunization Against Invasive Meningococcal 
Disease?

How are children protected against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?

Vaccines or needles are the best way to protect children against some very serious infections.  The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends routine immunization.

The meningococcal C-conjugate vaccine protects children against illness due to IMD serogroup C (IMD-C) and its complications.

What is invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?

IMD is a serious disease caused by a specific strain of bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis.  There are several strains (serogroups) of the bacteria that cause IMD, serogroups A, B, C, W-135, and Y are the most common.

IMD often affects previously healthy people of all ages; they can become extremely ill rapidly.  IMD can lead to serious infections of the blood (septicaemia), and the covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

How do you get invasive meningococcal disease?

The bacteria that cause IMD actually live naturally in the body, in particular, at the back of the nose and throat. Up to 10 percent of the population carry the bacteria at any time, however, most people never develop active disease (IMD).  The bacteria is spread through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing.  Bacteria from the saliva of an infected person can be spread when common items are shared, e.g., beverages (bottles, straws), cigarettes, toothbrushes, lipstick.

What is serogroup C?

Serogroup C is a specific strain or serogroup of IMD (IMD-C) and can result in severe long-term health complications or death.  Persons who have been infected with IMD-C may experience skin scars, amputations, hearing loss and kidney problems.

Why is the meningococcal C-conjugate vaccine important?

Serogroup C has been almost exclusively responsible for localized clusters or outbreaks of IMD in schools and communities.  In Ontario, many of the cases of IMD-C are in adolescents and young adults.

The meningococcal C-conjugate has long-lasting protection against IMD-C.

Will this vaccine protect against other serogroups of IMD?

This vaccine only provides protection against IMD caused by serogroup C. Neisseiria meningitidis bacteria.  It will not protect against other serogroups of invasive meningococcal disease, or other organisms that cause meningitis (infection of the brain or spinal cord) or septicaemia (infection of the blood).

(This fact sheet provides basic information only.  It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always talk to a healthcare professional about any health concerns you have and before you make any changes to your diet, lifestyle or treatment.)

 

For a school schedule of menigitis vaccine clinics, click here.

For a meningitis vaccine consent form, click here.