Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
What are meningococcal quadrivalent vaccines?
Meningococcal quadrivalent vaccines protect against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, Y and W. The vaccines are either polysaccharide or conjugate vaccines. The conjugate vaccine used in B.C. provides longer lasting protection against disease. The vaccine is approved by Health Canada.
Who should get the meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine?
The vaccine is provided free to children in grade 9.
The vaccine is also provided free to children and adults at high risk of meningococcal disease, including those who have:
- No spleen, or a spleen that is not working properly
- Immune system disorders including complement, properdin, factor D or primary antibody deficiencies
- An islet cell or solid organ transplant, or those who are waiting for one
- Had a stem cell transplant
- Been in close contact with a person with meningococcal A, Y or W disease, or who are determined by public health to be at risk of infection with these during an outbreak in B.C.
The vaccine is recommended, but not provided free, for the following people:
- Laboratory workers routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- Military personnel
- Those living or travelling in a high risk area for meningococcal disease
For information on high risk travel areas contact a travel clinic.
The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose. Some people may need additional doses of the vaccine. Speak with your health care provider to find out if you need more doses and when you should get them.
People who are not eligible for the free vaccine but want to be protected against meningococcal A, C, Y and W strains of the disease can purchase the vaccine at most pharmacies and travel clinics.
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
What are the benefits of the vaccine?
The vaccine is the best way to protect against meningococcal infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.
What are the possible reactions after the vaccine?
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get meningococcal disease.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, chills, fever and nausea may also occur after getting the vaccine. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days.
