Meningococcal Disease

About the vaccine

There are two types of vaccines that protect against either one (Men C) or four (Men A/C/Y/W-135) sub-types of menigococcal bacteria.

The Men-C vaccine protects against infection from one of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria type C.

The menigococcal quadrivalent vaccine protects against infection from four of the most common types of menigococcal bacteria-types A/C/Y/W-135.

Meningococcal C Vaccine:

It's free for children and given at the same time as other childhood vaccinations. Two shots are given to children at 2 and 12 months of age with an additional booster administered in grade six. 

It's also free and recommended for adults with specific medical, occupational or lifestyle risks. Please contact your local public health nurse or doctor to find out if you are eligible for the Men-C vaccine.

For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, read our BC HealthFile: Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C) Vaccine (23a)

Meningococcal A/C/Y/W-135

Is provided free to those who have:

• no spleen, or a spleen that isn't working properly
• immune system disorders
• an islet cell or solid organ transplant, or who are waiting for one
• a stem cell transplant
• been in close contact with a person who is infected with Meningococcal type A/Y/W-135

It is recommended, but not provided free for:

• laboratory workers routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
• military personnel
• students attending college or university, particularly first-year students living in residence on campus
• those living or travelling in an area of high risk of meningococcal disease. A travel clinic can provide information about high risk travel areas.

For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, read our BC HealthFile: HealthLink BC File #23b, October 2007

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get meningococcal disease.

Which adults should get vaccinated?

• Student living in a dormitory
• Military recruits
• If you have a damaged spleen or no spleen or a protein disorder called “terminal complement deficiency”
• Microbiologists routinely exposed to the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease
• If you are traveling or residing in countries where the disease is common.

About the disease

• Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by a germ (or bacteria)
• Meningococcal infections are serious and life-threatening infections and include meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood.
• For every 100 children who get sick, up to 15 will die.
• Permanent complications of infection include brain damage and deafness
• Symptoms include headache, fever and stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), confusion, and a purplish skin rash. Anyone with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
• Meningococcal disease is spread from one person to another by coughing, sneezing, or close face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through saliva or spit
• There is less Meningococcal type C disease in BC because of routine childhood vaccination programs

Photo courtesy of Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. More vaccine preventable disease images