Why It Is Used

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes infections in the blood. These infections can be serious and can even cause death or long-term health problems.

Scientists divide meningococcal bacteria into "groups." Within each type of vaccine are specific formulas that protect against the different groups of meningococcal bacteria. Just because you've been immunized against one group of meningococcal bacteria does not mean you are totally protected against getting meningococcal disease from a different group.

Two types of conjugate meningococcal vaccines (Men-C-C and Men-C-ACYW-135) and a multi-component meningococcal vaccine (4CMenB) are used for routine immunization. (A meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Men-P-ACYW-135, is available in Canada, but it is rarely recommended for routine use.) The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has made recommendations on who should get each kind of vaccine.^{footnote 2}

• Children ages 2 months to 11 years
  • Babies may get the vaccine starting when they are 2 months old, but the age a baby starts getting the vaccine depends on provincial guidelines. The meningitis vaccine is given in several doses spaced over several weeks.
  • A dose given at ages 12 to 23 months is recommended for all children.
  • Vaccination may be recommended for children up to 11 years of age if they did not get the vaccine as a baby.
• Adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 24 years
  • A booster dose is recommended between the ages of 12 to 24 years, even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as an infant. In most provinces this booster is offered to children in grade 9.
• People at high risk for the disease
  • People who have certain medical conditions should get the meningococcal vaccine. This includes people with no spleen, sickle cell disease, people with certain immune system problems, and people with HIV infection. These people may need to get the shot every 3 to 5 years.
  • People who are more likely to be exposed to the disease should get the meningococcal vaccine. This includes people travelling to certain parts of the world, some laboratory workers, and some military personnel. These people may need to get the shot every 3 to 5 years if they continue to have a high risk of exposure.
  • The vaccine may also be recommended for people close to where an outbreak of meningococcal disease has occurred.

Immunization schedules and requirements for vaccines vary by province and territory. Contact your local public health unit for more information.