What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus). It can lead to infections of the brain and spinal cord lining (meningitis) or bloodstream infections (meningococcemia/septicemia). The disease spreads through close contact with respiratory or throat secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, or kissing. Symptoms often appear suddenly and can include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, fatigue, and sometimes a purplish rash. Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and cause severe complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and supportive care is essential, while vaccination and good hygiene are the primary methods of prevention.
FAQ About Meningococcal Disease (Men-ACWY/Men B) Vaccine
Who needs to get the Meningococcal vaccine?
The Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for the following population:
- All adolescents (routine schedule):
- Adolescents in BC receive the Nimenrix (Men-ACWY) vaccine in Grade 9
- Medically high-risk individuals (2 months and older)*
- Close contacts of a case of invasive meningococcal disease who meet public health criteria for immunoprophylaxis
- Individuals who missed routine vaccinations offered in Grade 9 (British Columbia)
- Travelers to high-risk destinations (ie. meningitis belt in Sub-Saharan Africa)
- Pilgrims (age 1 year and older) traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umra
- Individuals attending university (especially if staying in dormitories)
Which meningitis vaccine do I need?
Men-ACWY (Nimenrix) and Men-B (Bexsero) are vaccines that protect against different types of meningococcal disease.
- Men-ACWY/Nimenrix protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y. It is part of the routine school immunization program in BC and given in Grade 9. It is also recommended for people at higher risk, such as those with certain medical conditions, travelers to high-risk destinations (ie. meningitis belt), individuals attending Haj/Umra pilgrimage, or during outbreak situations of serogroups A, C, W, or Y.
- Men-B/Bexsero protects against serogroup B. This vaccine is typically recommended for university students staying in dorms or during outbreak situations of meningococcal serogroup B.
How many doses do I need?
Men-ACWY (Nimenrix): 1 dose only for ages 12 months and up; Booster doses recommended every 5 years where risk exists
Men-B (Bexsero): Ages 11 years and up need 2 doses given 4 weeks apart. Children between 1 to 10 years of age also get 2 doses with interval of 8 weeks; No booster doses are recommended at this time
Is the vaccine safe and what are the possible side effects?
Both Nimenrix and Bexsero are generally safe and commonly cause mild, short-lasting side effects like a sore arm, fatigue, headache, and low-grade fever. Nimenrix tends to have milder reactions overall, while Bexsero is more likely to cause stronger symptoms. Less common effects for both include nausea or rash, and very rare but serious reactions like allergic responses or seizures can occur, though these are uncommon. Overall, most side effects resolve within a few days without treatment.
Are meningococcal vaccines free in British Columbia?
Men-ACWY/Nimenrix is provided at no cost to eligible individuals such as:
- Children in Grade 9 as part of routine childhood vaccination
- Certain medically high risk individuals such as: congenital immunodeficiency states, functional or anatomic asplenia, HSCT/CART therapy recipients, solid organ/islet cell transplant candidates/recipients
- Close contacts of invasive meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, Y)
Men-B/Bexsero is not typically publicly funded except for individuals who are close contacts of invasive meningococcal disease (serogroup B) who meet public health criteria for immunoprophylaxis
If you don't fall into these groups, you can still get the vaccine, but you'll need to pay for it privately. Some private insurance or extended health benefit plans may cover the cost of the vaccine or reimburse you for it. Coverage varies by plan, so you should check with your provider before booking or you can give us a call and we can check for you.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor?
No, you do not need a prescription from your doctor to receive the vaccine. Simply book an appointment with us and our pharmacist or nurse will provide the vaccine.
Additional Vaccines Available at Our Clinic
​Hepatitis A & B Vaccines
​Protect yourself against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, viruses that can cause serious liver infection and are common risks during international travel.
​RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect older adults and high-risk individuals from respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause serious lung infections.
​HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, a common virus linked to cervical cancer and several other cancers.
Routine Vaccines
Stay up to date with recommended routine vaccines to protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases.
