Meningococcal C conjugate (Men-C)

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➤ What is meningococcal infection? Bacteria cause meningococcal infections. Meningococcal infection due to types A, C, Y, and W is rare in B.C. Although rare, it can cause serious and life-threatening infections including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood. For every 100 people who get sick, up to 15 will die, even if they receive treatment. Permanent complications of infection include brain damage, deafness, and loss of limbs. Meningococcal infection is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, close face-to-face contact, and saliva. It can also occur through activities such as kissing or sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipsticks, water bottles, sports mouthguards, or musical instrument mouthpieces. ➤ What is the Men-C vaccine? The Men-C vaccine protects against infection from one of the most common types of meningococcal bacteria, type C. The Men-C vaccine is provided free as part of your child’s routine immunizations. ➤ Who should get the Men-C vaccine? The Men-C vaccine is given to infants in a series of 2 doses. The first is given at 2 months of age, and the second at 12 months. The vaccine is given at the same time as other childhood immunizations. The vaccine may also be given to people: - Born before 2002 who are 24 years of age and under who did not get a dose of vaccine on or after their 10th birthday - Who have been in close contact with someone with meningococcal type C disease