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Immunization protects you from disease.
Get protected, get immunized. - Vaccines make your immune system stronger by building antibodies, which help prevent diseases.
- Immunization is safe. It is much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.
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Who should have MenconC vaccine?
This vaccine is given to children starting at 4 months of age.
This vaccine may be offered after close contact with type C meningococcal disease.
How many doses of this vaccine are needed?
Children need 2 doses which are usually given at 4 and 12 months of age.
Fewer doses are needed if immunization is started after 12 months of age. Delaying this immunization is not recommended because infants have a high risk of this disease.
Are there other vaccines that protect against meningococcal disease?
MenC-ACYW is given in Grade 9 to boost protection for type C and to add protection for types A, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease.
MenC-ACYW and Men-B (type B) are given to people with certain health problems (e.g., removed spleen, weak immune system).
Some travellers may get MenC-ACYW.
Children who get MenC-ACYW do not need MenconC.
How well does the vaccine work?
Protection against serious infections is 97% for healthy infants.
It is important to get the 12-month booster dose because protection weakens over time.
Where can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine is given at a
public health office in your area.
Are there side effects from MenconC vaccine?
Reactions to the vaccine are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:
- redness, swelling, and discomfort where the needle was given
- feeling tired, irritable
- headache or body aches
- poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- fever or chills
It is important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after immunization because people can have a rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If anaphylaxis happens, you will be given medicine to treat the symptoms.
Unusual reactions can happen after being immunized. Call Health Link at 811 to report any unusual reactions.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with discomfort and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area.
- If you need fever or pain medicine, check with your pharmacist or doctor. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 19 years old because it can cause serious health problems.
- Some people with health problems (e.g., weak immune system) must call their doctor whenever they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your doctor—even if you think the fever was due to immunization.
Is there anyone who cannot have MenconC vaccine?
You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to parts of the vaccine— always tell your healthcare provider about allergies.
- had a severe or unusual reaction after this vaccine (or a similar one)—always tell your healthcare provider if you have had reactions.
You can be immunized if you have a mild illness (e.g., cold), even if you have a fever.
For More Information
Quick Facts: Meningococcal Disease
What it is
- a bacteria that causes meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and other serious infections (e.g., blood)
- 1 out of 5 people become deaf, get brain damage, have seizures, or lose a limb
- 1 out of 10 people can die
Who is most at risk
Most serious infections happen in people who:
- are 4 years of age or younger, 15 to19 years of age, or 60 years of age and older
- have health problems
- have a respiratory infection, like influenza
- live in crowded homes
- smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke
- travel to meningococcal risk countries
How it spreads
- spread from saliva (e.g., kissing, sharing food, sharing toys,or water bottles that have been in someone else’s mouth)
- some people do not have symptoms, but can spread the disease
