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Meningococcal serogroups A, B, C, W and Y vaccines

Description

Vaccination is the best protection against meningococcal infections and their complications. For instance, meningitis that is an infection of the brain lining and meningococcemia that is an infection of the blood are two serious infections caused by meningococcus.

There are different serogroups or types of meningococcus, among other serogroups A, B, C, Y and W. A number of vaccines can be administered to protect you against different meningococcal infections.

  • The quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is safe and protects against serogroups A, C, Y and W.
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is safe and protects against serogroup B.
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is safe and protects against serogroup C.

The Québec Immunization Program has provided for the administration of one dose of the meningococcal serogroup C vaccine at 18 months of age, followed by one dose of a menincococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y vaccine in Secondary 3.

General notice

Students in grades 4 and 5 of high school in 2023-2024 were offered the serogroup C meningococcal vaccine when they were in grade 3. A quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine booster against serogroups A, C, W and Y is recommended for these students and for young people who are not in these classes but who are old enough to be in them. This booster will be offered as of spring 2024 at school and according to the regional organization of vaccination services.

The vaccine is also recommended for persons with a high risk of infection from meningococcus.

Persons travelling to regions with a high risk of meningococcal infection can also receive it, but it is not free.

Reactions after vaccination

Different reactions can be caused by vaccination. For example, redness at the injection site. Other problems may arise that are unrelated to the vaccine, such as a cold, stomach ache or headache.

Depending on the vaccine administered, reactions may be different, but they are benign and short-lived. You can read about them in the following tables:

The nature and frequency of possible reactions to quadrivalent vaccine A, C, W, Y
FrequencyPossible reactions

In most cases
(more than 50% of people)

  • Pain at the injection site

Very often
(less than 50% of people)

  • Redness and swelling at the infection site
  • Headache, muscle pain, fatigue, discomfort, nausea, pain in joints, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irritability, drowsiness (sleepiness)

Often
(less than 10% of people)

  • Fever, shivering, vomiting, skin rash
The nature and frequency of possible reactions to vaccine B
FrequencyPossible reactions

In most cases
(more than 50% of people)

  • Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site in children under 10
  • Fever (≥ 38 °C), unusual crying, loss of appetite, irritability, drowsiness (sleepiness), vomiting and diarrhea in children under 2

Very often
(less than 50% of people)

  • Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site in teenagers from ages 11 to 18
  • Headache in teenagers from ages 11 to 18
The nature and frequency of possible reactions to vaccine C
FrequencyPossible reactions

In most cases
(more than 50% of people)

  • Pain at the injection site

Very often
(less than 50% of people)

  • Redness and swelling at the infection site
  • Fever, drowsiness (sleepiness) and irritability, especially among children under 5
  • Headache, discomfort, muscle pain and joint pain especially in people age 11 or older.
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

What to do after vaccination

Tips to follow immediately following vaccination

Wait 15 minutes before leaving premises where vaccine is received. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.

If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person giving the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you immediately.

Tips to follow at home

If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold, damp compress on it.

Use medication for fever or discomfort if needed.

When to seek medical help

See a doctor if one of the following applies to you:

  • You experience serious and unusual symptoms
  • Your symptoms get worse instead of improving
  • Your symptoms last over 48 hours

Last update: March 13, 2024

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