IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious diseases. Protect against four serious types of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, Y, W-135 with this vaccine.

In Ontario, this vaccine is publicly funded for:

• Grade 7 students

And is available at a cost for:

• Individuals 2-55 years of age

What is Meningococcal Disease?

• At total of 13 different strains or groups can cause meningococcal disease, groups A, B, C, Y and W-135 cause almost all cases of the disease.  
• Complications include meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcemia (infection of the blood stream)
• Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a red pin point rash with bruising.  Some may die from this disease.

How is Meningococcal disease spread?

This infection is usually spread by contact with the secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person.  Up to 30% of the adolescent and adult population carry these bacteria in their nose and throat.

How safe is the Meningococcal vaccine?

Vaccines are among the safest of modern medicine. The only individuals who should NOT receive the vaccine are those who:

• are ill with a fever or infection
• have had a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a past dose of this vaccine or any of its components (latex, diphtheria toxoid)
• have previously been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

What are the side effects that I should watch for following vaccination?

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare (1:1,000,000). Most individuals have no problems following vaccination. Possible side effects include:

• redness and soreness where the needle was given
• irritability, drowsiness, diarrha, fever and vomiting
• allergic reactions (ie. hives, swelling and difficulty breathing) occur very rarely. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days.  Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the vaccine are much greater than the risks.

If you choose to receive this vaccine today, it is required that you wait two days before donating blood.

For more information on this vaccine, contact one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.