Vaccination
Meningitis | Infection of the brain membranes
There are three (3) types of meningitis vaccines:
- Meningitis C
- Meningitis B
- Meningitis A, C, W and Y
Why get vaccinated?
Meningitis can be fatal if not treated quickly enough. Since the initial symptoms resemble those of a cold, people tend not to worry too much, which is a problem. The symptoms progress so rapidly that by the time people decide to seek medical attention, they don't have time to get to the hospital. As a result, it is often too late.
Vaccination is the ideal way to protect yourself.
All children, adolescents, and adults who want to protect themselves against meningitis should receive two (2) types of meningitis vaccines every five (5) years (meningitis B and ACW-135 and Y). These two (2) vaccines are not part of the regular free schedule established by public health authorities, but they are recommended for anyone who wants to protect themselves against this infection. These two (2) vaccines should not be confused with the meningitis C vaccine received as part of routine vaccination.
In Quebec, meningitis B is the most common form and is not part of the regular public health vaccination schedule. In addition, 5% to 10% of healthy people carry meningococcus without showing any symptoms. However, they can transmit the bacteria without knowing it.
The target audience
Meningitis mainly affects teenagers and young adults, but every year adults contract meningitis because they are in close contact with these higher-risk groups.
Children aged 0-5 are also a high-risk group. For children, we administer Bexsero® against meningitis B. This vaccine is not part of the regular childhood vaccination schedule, but it is strongly recommended.
Transmission
Meningitis is transmitted through secretions from the nose or throat of infected individuals, whether they are sick or not, for example through kissing with saliva exchange or simply by sharing the same glass.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated, but we suggest that you avoid drinking from the same glass as a friend or using the same straw, and avoid sleeping in the same bed as a friend.
Did you know that...
Meningococcal infection is most common in late winter and early spring.
Recognize the symptoms
The symptoms of meningitis usually appear suddenly and progress fairly rapidly.
High fever
Severe headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Deterioration of general condition
Redness or small pinhead-sized hemorrhages or blue patches on the skin
Complications
- Arthritis
- Hearing loss
- Sepsis
- Heart problems, such as myocarditis or pericarditis
- Blood circulation problems, such as abnormal blood clotting or gangrene
- Permanent brain damage
- Amputation of hands or feet. Observed in 10% to 15% of people infected with meningococcus serogroup C.
- Death
The vaccination schedule
Meningitis
|
10 and older Meningitis B |
Two (2) doses at the start of vaccination, followed by a single dose at the booster stage. | Six (6) months for dose 1 and dose 2 | At age five (5) if the risk is still present (contact with children aged 0–5 and adolescents aged 12–21) |
| Serogroup A, C, W, and Y | One (1) dose | Five (5) years | At age five (5) if the risk is still present (travelers and people in contact with children aged 0–5 and adolescents aged 12–21) |
Our services are offered in our clinic and satellite clinic as well as in your home. Appointments preferred.
For more information, please contact us.
Accès Infirmières | New clinic
82, Route 338
Les Coteaux, QC J7X 1A2
Accès Infirmières
287, boulevard D'Anjou
Châteauguay, QC J6J 2R4