Vaccines against meningococcal

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

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

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 A, C, W, Y vaccine
Frequency	Possible 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 the meningococcal B vaccine
Frequency	Possible 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 conjugate C vaccine
Frequency	Possible 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 healthcare professionnal 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

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

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