What are meningococcal Infections?

Meningococcal diseases are caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause serious infection of the covering of the brain (meningitis) or blood infection (septicemia). Approximately 11% of persons who become ill with a serious meningococcal infection will die.

Is meningococcal bacteria contagious?

Yes, it is contagious. It can spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing, kissing, sharing food or drink, or with young children when sharing toys that are frequently put into the mouth, such as those used for teething. The bacteria can be found in the nose and throat of many healthy infants, children and adults without causing illness.

The highest number of cases of meningococcal disease occurs in children under 1 year of age followed by children between 1 to 4 years. Outbreaks have occurred in Canada, especially in the schools, with most due to the group C type meningococcal bacteria.

Can antibiotics be used to treat meningococcal infections?

There are antibiotics that can treat meningococcal infections. However, even when the best antibiotics are given under the best circumstances, meningococcal infection can kill or permanently injure adults and children.

Is there a vaccine to protect infants, children, adolescents and adults?

Menjugate is a vaccine that helps to protect from serious meningococcal group C disease. NACI has recommended that it be given to infants, children 1 to 4 years of age, adolescents and young adults. It should also be administered to household contacts of cases of meningococcal group C disease. The vaccine has been shown to provide protection in 90% of persons vaccinated.

What is the immunization schedule?

The vaccine schedule for infants is 2, 4 and 6 months (3 doses given with a minimum of a 4 week interval between doses). Infants 4 to 11 months of age who have not previously received the vaccine should receive 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. Individuals one year of age and older require a single dose of the vaccine.

Are there any side effects?

Mild reactions to the vaccine have been reported including pain and redness at the injection site. More severe side effects including fever, difficulty breathing and hives have occurred but rarely.

Temporary headache, relieved by over-the-counter painkillers, is another side effect that is sometimes seen after the Menjugate vaccine.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is safe and should be considered for all infants, children 1 to 4 years of age, adolescents and young adults. It should also be used to immunize household and intimate contacts of severe meningococcal group C disease.

Who should not get the vaccine?

Menjugate should not be given to anyone if they have a known allergy to any of the components of the vaccine.

In the case of illness, consult with your health care provider about deferring the immunization until after the illness has ended.

When you bring your infant, child or yourself in for vaccination….

1. Get the facts. A doctor or health care professional can answer any concerns or questions you may have.
2. Tell the health care professional about any allergies, medications, illnesses or any previous suspected reaction to any vaccine, since they may affect a person's response to vaccination.
3. Keep a written vaccination record in case you change doctors, move or forget which vaccines were given and when they were administered. Records of vaccines are required for attendance at daycare and school.