• Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.
• Meningococcal infection causes two very serious diseases:
• Meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord.
• Meningococcemia, an infection of the blood.
• There are many serotypes of meningococcal bacteria. The ones able to cause epidemics are: A, B, C, Y, and W135.
• In Saskatchewan, the serotypes seen most often are B, C, Y and W135.

(See more information below.)

• Meningococcal infection is spread by direct contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person.
• Sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, mouthpieces of musical instruments, lipstick, lip balm, straws, water bottles, baby bottles, soothers, toys and other direct contact (kissing, coughing) can increase the risk of spreading the bacteria.
• Many people carry the bacteria without ever becoming ill. In a few people, illness can occur between two and ten days after contact with the bacteria causing meningitis or other serious infections.
• 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.
  

• It starts with symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and feeling unwell. These symptoms usually progress quickly to a bad headache, stiff neck and/or a tiny reddish-purple or bruise-like rash.
• In young children, sleepiness, irritability or excessive crying may occur.
• Within 24 hours of taking antibiotics, people are no longer infectious.
• It is important to see a doctor early.
• Even with early treatment, 10-15% of people die.
• Long-term complications include deafness, brain damage, problems with the nervous system and seizures.
  

• Don't share food, drinks, cigarettes, mouthpieces of musical instruments, lipstick, lip balm, straws, water bottles, baby bottles, soothers, or toys.
• Avoid kissing or direct contact with droplets from the nose or throat.
• Good hygiene (e.g., hand washing) is important.
• Get immunized with meningococcal vaccine.
  

• There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccine used in Canada:
• The first kind of vaccine is a conjugate vaccine that is effective against serotype C (one of the types seen more frequently in Saskatchewan).
• The conjugate vaccine contains Niesseria meningitidis C conjugated to diphtheria or tetanus toxoid.
• Non-medical ingredients may include sodium chloride, aluminum phosphate, water, or mannitol (stabilizer).
• This vaccine can be given to infants.
• The second kind of vaccine protects against serotypes A, C, Y, and W135.
• This vaccine cannot be given to children under 2 years of age.
  

• The vaccine is very effective. Ninety to ninety-five per cent of infants will be protected following immunization.
• The vaccine will likely provide long-term protection, although since it has only been available for a few years, this will continue to be evaluated. Boosters are not currently recommended.
  

• Children at 12 months of age if born on or after October 1st, 2003.
• Children getting their pre-school booster, if born on or after October 1st, 2000.
• Children in grade 6.
• Household and intimate social contacts of a person with meningococcal C disease.
• Cochlear implant recipients.
• Complement, properidin and factor D deficiency; splenic dysfunction; and some transplant recipients (bone marrow, solid organs, stem cell).
  

• Individuals who have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine.
• Individuals who have had an anaphylactic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
• Individuals who have a moderate to severe illness, with or without a fever.
  

• Local reactions may include soreness, redness, swelling or bruising at the site where the injection was given.
• There may be fever and/or irritability for up to 48 hours after the injection.
  

• Report any adverse or unexpected reactions to your local public health nurse or your doctor as soon as possible.
• Talk to your public health nurse if:
• you have questions or concerns about your child's reaction to immunization.
• you had to take your child to your doctor, hospital or health center with an illness that might be related to immunization.

Your immunization information will be recorded in a computerized system known as the Saskatchewan Immunization Management System (SIMS). Information collected in SIMS may be used to:

• manage immunization records,
• notify you if you or your child needs an immunization,
• and monitor how well vaccines work in preventing vaccine preventable diseases.

Your immunization records may also be shared with health care professionals in order to provide public health services; assist with diagnosis and treatment; and to control the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.

For more information contact:
your local public health office,
OR your physician,
OR the HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002.