New Publicly Funded Vaccine - Meningococcal C-conjugate

 

On January 1, 2005, Meningococcal C-conjugate vaccine became publicly funded for all Ontario youth age 12 and age 15 to 19. One-year-old children and high-risk people of all ages are also eligible for this vaccine.

 

Meningococcal C-conjugate vaccine protects against infections caused by the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis. This bacteria causes infections of the bloodstream (meningococcemia) and the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

 

In February and March 2005, Renfrew County and District Health Unit provided community immunization clinics at all nine Renfrew County high schools. All eligible students were invited to attend. Health Unit staff gave 3,150 doses of Meningococcal

C-conjugate vaccine. In addition, this vaccine was available at Health Unit immunization clinics and through family physicians' offices throughout Renfrew County.

 

The introduction of Meningococcal C-conjugate vaccine to the provincial immunization program will ensure that youth and young adults are protected from the serious and sometimes fatal effects of invasive meningococcal disease.