Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine

The meningococcal vaccine protects against bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.

Vaccines can provide protection against a single disease, or can be made to provide protection against more than one disease. Vaccines that provide protection against more than one disease are called combined vaccines. Meningococcal vaccine is only available as a single vaccine format.

• Menjugate® (GlaxoSmithKline)
• Neis Vac-C® (GlaxoSmithKline)
• Menactra® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)
• Menomune® (Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.)

In general, everyone should get this vaccine. It is given starting in infancy and again in early childhood. It is important to receive the vaccine at the right time. To find out more about when infants and children should get the measles vaccine, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule (Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care).

• People who have had serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the meningococcal vaccine.

Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health before giving you any vaccine. This will help them identify allergies you might have and safely manage potential allergic reactions.

You could have mild side effects after being vaccinated, but they usually go away in one to two days. Some people can be allergic to the vaccine, just like they might have a food or medication allergy.

Learn more about common vaccine side effects and what to do about them.

Yes. In Ontario, this vaccine is required by all children to attend school and licensed daycare. Learn more about the vaccinations that are required.

You might also need to get this vaccine to work in certain workplaces such as in health care, child care and other settings.

Reporting vaccinations

Children attending school or daycare

• Parents and guardians must also report the vaccinations to Public Health to keep their records up-to-date.
• Exemptions: signed statements must be submitted for vaccination exemptions based on medical reasons or reasons of conscience or religious belief.

General Public

• Access and update your immunization records.

Cost

This vaccine is publicly funded, meaning it is free of charge for those who need it. No matter where you get the vaccine in Ontario, there is no cost (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit).

For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.

Risks and benefits

Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations before being vaccinated.

• Public Health offers this vaccine at one of our immunization clinics.
  • This vaccine is offered in schools through our school immunization clinics.
• You may also be able to get vaccinated at your doctor’s office, a walk-in clinic or community health centre. Appointments may be required.

• Contact us.
• See our frequently asked questions or send us your question.
• See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination.