The meningococcal conjugate vaccine Men-C-ACYW-135 (Nimenrix®, Menactra® or Menveo™), helps to protect almost all children and adults from an illness called invasive meningococcal disease.
What is invasive meningococcal disease?
- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious contagious infection caused by the bacteria N meningitidis. There are 13 types, but A, C, W-135 and Y are the most common.
- IMD can cause swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, or a serious infection of the blood, known as meningococcal septicemia. It can be fatal.
- Early treatment with antibiotics is important.
- Symptoms of IMD start suddenly, from 2 to 10 days after exposure. They include fever, aches, joint pain, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and a red pin-point rash, followed by drowsiness, confusion or agitation.
- The bacteria spread to others through face-to-face contact with an infected person’s saliva or secretions (fluids) from the nose and throat. Examples include sneezing and coughing and activities such as kissing and sharing food, drinks, toothbrushes, toys or cigarettes.
- IMD is most common in children under the age of five, adolescents and seniors.
Who should get Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine (Nimenrix®, Menactra® or Menveo™)?
- There are several types of meningococcal vaccines available in Canada.
- Meningococcal vaccines are highly effective, but effectiveness decreases over time.
- Meningococcal vaccines can be given to people 2 months to 55 years of age (depending on product). Immunization is recommended for some career choices and travelers for a fee.
- The Ministry of Health offers free Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine for Grade 7 students at school-based immunization clinics. Only one dose is required for teenagers.
- The vaccine given in Grade 7 is different from the meningococcal vaccine given at one year of age. If your child has received the Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine from your health care provider, and it has been more than five years since your child was vaccinated, a booster dose is recommended.
Who is eligible under the high-risk meningococcal immunization program?
- The Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine is publicly funded for individuals 9 months to 55 years of age with these high-risk conditions:
- functional or anatomic asplenia,
- complement, properdin, factor D deficiency or primary antibody deficiencies,
- acquired complement deficiency (e.g. persons receiving eculizumab),
- HIV, as well as
- individuals with cochlear implants (pre/post implants).
- Two to four doses of Men-C-ACYW-135 vaccine are required for high-risk individuals, depending on the age at the first dose. Booster doses are then recommended every 3 to 5 years for high-risk individuals 9 months to 6 years of age and every 5 years for high-risk individuals between 7 and 55 years of age. For high-risk individuals over the age of 55 years, a single dose of meningococcal polysaccharide ACYW-135 (Men-P-ACYW-135) vaccine is recommended five years after the last booster dose of Men-C-ACYW.
What are the common side effects of Men-C-ACYW vaccine?
- Some people may feel sore and swollen for a few days where the needle was given and have general muscle aches, headaches, fever and / or feel tired for a day or two.
- Tylenol® or ibuprofen may be taken afterwards, as directed, to reduce discomfort or fever.
- Children under 19 years of age should not be given ASA, Aspirin® or salicylates.
Who should not get Men-C-ACYW vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction in the past to this vaccine, or diphtheria or tetanus toxoid, or to any component of the vaccine. Does not contain latex.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system or on high doses of corticosteroids should speak with their health care provider as they may not receive full benefit from vaccine.
- Anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of flu or tetanus vaccine.
- Anyone who has been vaccinated within the past 4 weeks with another Men-C vaccine.
- Anyone with a high fever, or moderate to severe illness should wait until they feel well.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only be vaccinated if it is clearly necessary.
What else do I need to know?
- To avoid germs, do not share water bottles or other drinks, food or eating utensils, toothbrushes or mouth guards, etc., and encourage your children to do the same.
- May be given at the same time as other vaccines, e.g. Hep B, HPV, Tdap, etc.
- Close contacts of individuals with meningococcal infections have an increased risk of developing the disease and should be considered for preventative antibiotics.
When should I seek medical attention after immunization?
- If you or your child experiences any unusual side effects, seek medical attention and notify us.
- Go to Emergency at a hospital right away or call 911 if you or your child has any of the following after immunization:
- swelling of the face and neck or problems breathing,
- hives and itchy, reddened skin.
Your Record of Protection
After you receive any immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record. Keep it in a safe place. Please inform us of any immunizations not received here.
