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Meningococcal Vaccine (group C conjugate)
What is meningococcal C infection?
- Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the
bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, which can produce an infection of the blood (sepsis) or an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
- Meningococcal infection is spread by direct contact with nasal droplets and
throat secretions of an infected person.
- Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and a reddish/purple tiny or bruise-like rash. Very young children may also be irritable, sleepy or cry a lot.
- The disease can develop in all age groups. Children under 5 years of age and young persons 15 - 19 years old are most commonly infected.
- Long-term complications include brain damage, hearing loss, seizures and nervous system disorders.
What does meningococcal vaccine contain?
Menjugate™
- Contains Niesseria meningitidis C conjugated to diptheria protein.
- Non-medical ingredients include mannitol, sodium phosphate, aluminum hydroxide and sodium chloride.
- Does not contain latex.
Neis Vac-C®
- Contains Niesseria meningitidis C conjugated to a tetanus toxoid protein.
- Non-medical ingredients include aluminum hydroxide.
- Does not contain latex.
How effective is the conjugate vaccine?
- Meningococcal C vaccine is effective against serotype C (one of the types seen more frequently in Saskatchewan).
- The vaccine is effective in 90 - 95% of children following the recommended immunization schedule.
- Studies have shown that protective levels following an infant series decrease in the second year of life. One dose after 12 months is recommended.
How long does the protection last?
- Unknown, at least 5 years after an approved schedule or dose.
- The need for a booster dose has not been established.
Who should receive the vaccine?
- Children at 12 months of age OR
- Children getting their pre-school booster, if did not receive at 12 months OR
- Children in grade 6, if did not receive previously.
- Close contacts of group C meningococcal disease.
- Travellers to countries where group C meningococcal disease is common may purchase the vaccine.
Who should NOT receive the vaccine?
- Children less than 2 months of age.
- Anyone who has received a dose of polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine within the past 6 months.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, except on the advice of a physician.
- Anyone who has had a life threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components.
- People with moderate to severe illness may have to defer immunization.
How is the vaccine given?
- By injection into a muscle.
- May be safely given with other vaccines.
What if your physician recommends vaccine before 12 months of age?
- Neis Vac-C® doses may be purchased at 2 and 4 months of age.
- A third dose Menjugate™ is free after 12 months of age.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
Very Common (10% or greater)
- Pain, warmth, redness swelling or hardness at injection site for up to 72 hours.
- Appetite changes, tiredness, irritability, diarrhea, chills, nausea, joint or muscle aches, headache.
Common (between 1% and 10%)
- Crying, loss of appetite, vomiting, rash, fever.
Very rare (less than 0.01%)
- Severe local or systemic reactions such as allergic or neurological complications.
- Skin,
subcutaneous tissue or musculoskeletal disorders.
Call one of the numbers below if you have severe or unusual reaction.
For more information contact Public Health Services at:
- International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
- North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700
- Our Neighbourhood Health Centre: (306) 655-4950
- South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730
- West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275
© 2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(updated January 4, 2009)
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