Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.
The meningococcal conjugate ACWY vaccine protects against illness caused by four types (A, C, W-135, and Y) of meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis).
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease can cause blood infections and meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). People with meningococcal disease may have fever, severe headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a red pinpoint rash with bruising. One out of every 10 people who get meningococcal disease will die, even with early treatment
The bacteria that causes meningococcal disease is commonly found in the nose and throat and is spread to others through coughing, sneezing or activities where saliva can be shared such as kissing or sharing drinks, cigarettes, lipstick, and other items that come in contact with the nose and throat.
Who should get the vaccine?
Beginning in September 2009, Men-C-ACWY vaccine is publicly funded (free) for Grade 7 students in Ontario. Those students who missed their grade 7 dose of meningococcal C (Men-C) vaccine in previous schools years will receive Men-C vaccine.
This vaccine is also publicly funded (free) in Ontario for those 2-55 years of age who fall into the following high risk groups:
-
any person without a spleen, whose spleen is not working well or who may be having their spleen surgically removed
-
people with complement, properdin or factor D deficiency or primary antibody deficiencies
-
Cochlear implant recipients (pre/post transplant) People who have been in close contact with a known case of meningococcal disease caused by types A, W or Y are at increased risk of becoming infected. These people can also receive the vaccine free of charge.
If your child does not qualify for publicly funded (free) vaccine, some health plans cover the cost of the vaccine. To determine if this vaccine is covered by your drug plan, contact your provider and provide them with the product DIN: 02279924
How well does the vaccine work?
This vaccine has been shown to provide protection against meningococcal disease caused by groups A, C, W and Y bacteria in over 97% of people age 11- 55 who were vaccinated. Studies are ongoing to determine how long protection lasts and if booster doses are needed to maintain protection.
No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop meningococcal disease caused by one of the types that the vaccine protects against after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.
Who should not get this vaccine?
A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:
-
Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
-
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a meningococcal vaccine or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:
Menactra® contains: neisseria meningitidis antigens (A, C, W, Y), diphtheria toxoid protein, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate and possibly latex
-
People who have received meningococcal C conjugate vaccine within the last month.
-
Anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
-
Anyone under the age of 2 or over the age of 55.
What are the side effects of this vaccine?
The Men-C-ACWY vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Other common side effects are headache and fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.
A small number of people have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological condition that can lead to paralysis after they had received this vaccine. No causal link has been established between this neurological condition and the vaccine.
This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.
Is there an alternative to the vaccine?
There are no other treatments to prevent this disease. If you are exposed to this disease, there may be treatment available. If you become ill, you may develop immunity.
Do not share water bottles, toothbrushes, mouthguards, lipstick, cigarettes or drinks as this disease can be passed this way.
Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.
Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.
When should I seek medical attention?
Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of the vaccine:
-
High fever (over 40C or 104F)
-
Hives
-
Swelling of the face or mouth
-
Trouble breathing
-
Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
-
Convulsions or seizures
-
Any other unexpected effects
If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.
What else do I need to know?
After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.
The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:
-
-
Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
-
Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
-
Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
-
Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)
A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.
