The Meningococcal Vaccine (Men ACYW-135) for Grade 7 Students

September 2011

What is meningococcal disease or meningitis?

  • Meningococcal disease is an infection of the blood or lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
  • There are many different types of Neisseria bacteria. Five types, including A, B, C, Y and W-135, cause almost all infections.
  • Meningococcal disease is rare but serious. 10 to 20 cases occur in Toronto every year. 1 in 10 people who are infected can die.

How can someone get meningococcal disease?

  • The disease spreads through saliva by close face-to-face contact, usually by kissing or sharing food, drink, musical instruments, water bottles, cigarettes or other things that have been in the mouth of a person with the disease.
  • It is not spread by being in the same classroom or on the same bus with an infected person.

Who is at risk of getting meningococcal disease?

  • The disease can affect people of any age.
  • Children under the age of 5 and especially those under the age of one are at highest risk.
  • It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in teenagers and young adults.
  • Those without a spleen or with a weak immune system are also at a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

  • Symptoms can come on very fast and make someone very sick.
  • Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, a severe headache, feeling sick to the stomach, vomiting and feeling tired followed by a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, dizziness and a red/purple blotchy rash.

Can the disease be treated?

  • It can be treated with timely medical care and antibiotics.
  • Even with the right treatment, the disease can be serious and can lead to severe complications or death.

How can I protect my child from getting meningococcal disease?

  • Get your child immunized with meningococcal vaccine.
  • Two meningococcal vaccines (Menactra® and MenveoTM are currently available in Ontario that protect up to 98% of infections from four types of meningococcal bacteria A, C, Y and W-135.
  • Toronto Public Health (TPH) offers the Men ACYW-135 vaccine free to grade 7 students at school clinics.
  • The Men ACYW-135 vaccine replaces the meningococcal conjugate C (Men-C) vaccine given in previous years which only protected against type C.

What are other ways to prevent meningococcal disease?

  • Avoid sharing things that can spread saliva such as cups, water bottles, food and other utensils. Always clean musical instrument mouth pieces after each use.

Who can get the Men ACYW-135 vaccine for free?

  • Grade 7 students who have never had a previous dose of Men ACYW-135 vaccine.
  • Grade 8 students who missed this vaccine in grade 7 can get their shot in grade 8 at a school or community clinic. Check the TPH website or call for clinic dates and times.
  • Men ACYW-135 vaccines are not available for free from your family doctor.

Who should not get this vaccine?

  • Your child should not get this vaccine if he or she:
    • Has already been immunized with a Men ACYW-135 vaccine (Menactra® or MenveoTM);
    • Has had a bad (life-threatening) reaction to a previous meningococcal vaccine, or any of its components, including latex.
  • Speak to your healthcare provider before getting a Men ACYW-135 vaccine if your child:
    • Has ever had a bad reaction to any vaccine;
    • Has had Guillain-Barré Syndrome;
    • Is pregnant.
  • If your child has a fever or anything more serious than a minor cold he or she should wait until they feel better before getting the vaccine.

What else do I need to know about the meningococcal vaccine?

  • Only one dose of the Men ACYW-135 vaccine is required. There is no information on whether a booster dose will be required in the future.
  • Students who have received meningococcal conjugate C (NeisVac® Menjugate®) vaccine should wait at least one month before receiving a Men ACYW-135 vaccine.
  • Update your child's records if your child has received a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine:
    • Download and fill out the consent form available online or
    • Call the Immunization Information Line at 416-392-1250.

What are the possible side effects of getting the Men ACYW-135 vaccine?

  • Some people may get redness and swelling where the needle was given.
  • A few may have a sore arm which lasts about a day.
  • Some may get headaches and feel tired or unwell for a short time after receiving the vaccine.
  • Rarely, side effects include trouble breathing, a rash or swelling in the throat and face.
  • See a health care provider immediately if a serious reaction occurs following vaccination.
  • Toronto Public Health nurses are present at the school clinics. They are trained to handle severe reactions.

Is it safe to give my child two vaccines at the same time?

  • It is safe to give a meningococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccines recommended for teenagers (e.g. hepatitis B, HPV and the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular-pertussis booster).

Where can I get more information?

Last updated on January 2012