Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal diseases are caused by a bacteria called meningococcus. Although meningococcal disease is rare, the bacteria can be found in the nose and throat of 5 to 10 out of 100 people at any time. However, fewer than 1 out of 100 people carrying the bacteria will develop invasive meningococcal disease.

How is meningococcal disease spread?

Meningococcal disease can be spread through coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through activities that share saliva, such as kissing or sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipstick or water bottles.

What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease?

Symptoms of meningococcal infection can include an intense headache, fever, stiff neck (or stiff back in older children and adults), nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, a pinpoint rash, and a bulging fontanelle in an infant’s skull.

What are the risks of meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal infections are serious and life-threatening. They can cause meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood. The disease can also cause pneumonia. For every 100 people who get sick, 15 will die even if they receive treatment. Permanent complications can include brain damage, deafness and loss of limbs.

How can I prevent getting meningococcal disease?

The best way to not get meningococcal disease is to get immunized. Meningococcal vaccines are safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get meningococcal disease. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.

There are two publicly funded (free) meningococcal vaccines offered in B.C. These vaccines protect against different types of meningococcal bacteria.

• Meningococcal C Vaccine (Men C): The Men C vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria, type ‘C’. It is given free (publicly funded) as part of the B.C. routine immunization schedule. The Men C vaccine is also recommended for other age groups and for people with certain medical conditions. Find out if you are eligible for a free Men C vaccine.
• Meningococcal A/C/Y/W (Meningococcal Quadrivalent): The Meningococcal Quadrivalent vaccine protects against infections from the four most common types of meningococcal bacteria A, C, Y and W. This quadrivalent vaccine is given free to all B.C. grade 9 students by public health nurses in the school setting. The Meningococcal Quadrivalent vaccine is also recommended for people with certain medical conditions. Find out if you are eligible for a free Meningococcal Quadrivalent vaccine.

Get immunized against meningococcal disease by making an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 5 years and older) or Public Health.

Learn where to get immunized and how to book an appointment