News Feature                   For Immediate Release

March 22, 2006

Don’t Wait – Vaccinate against Meningitis C

Meningitis survivor Drew Ferguson, recalls his experience as “terribly debilitating …feeling physically held down”.  After spending ten months in hospital during the disease, Mr. Ferguson still endures the physical effects including a compromised right side, deafness in his right ear and arthritis. “It is better to prevent this disease with a vaccination than to risk the life-long effects or even worse death.”

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection involving the fluid lining of the brain and/or spinal cord.  Symptoms of meningitis include sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck and rash. This contagious disease can be fatal or result in severe complications including limb amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.

Invasive meningococcal disease type C, occurs primarily in one year olds and teenagers.  This infection is present in saliva of infected individuals. It transmits through kissing, or sharing common items like drinks, eating utensils, water bottles, musical instruments, toothbrushes and lipstick.  Air droplets from sneezing or coughing also spread meningococcal meningitis.  A single vaccination provides the best protection against meningococcal C meningitis. 

Last year, the Grey Bruce Health Unit vaccinated 7,463 students.  Over 5,500 students are eligible for vaccinations this spring.  Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine provides protection in up to 97% of persons inoculated.  Children one year of age, grade 7 students and youth aged 15 – 19 are eligible to receive the free publically funded vaccine. 

The Grey Bruce Health Unit will begin secondary school vaccination clinics for meningococcal disease type C starting April 2006. Students unable to attend the school clinic can receive free meningococcal C conjugate vaccine at either Owen Sound or Walkerton Public Health clinics, or their doctor’s offices. 

For more information, please contact Public Health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca. 

Attachments:

Meningitis C – Secondary School Clinic Schedule

For more information:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 230