Meningitis C Vaccine for 12 and 15-19 year olds

The Health Unit offers Meningitis-C vaccine to all grade 7 students and all youth 15-19 years of age in the tri-county area.

Meningitis is a serious infection of the lining of the brain and/or spinal cord. The bacteria that cause Meningitis live in the back of the nose and throat. Bacteria from the saliva of an infected person can be spread through kissing or when common items are shared, like drinks (water bottles, straws), cigarettes, toothbrushes or lipstick.

The Meningococcal-C vaccine provides protection against the type of Meningitis that is called “serogroup C”. Serogroup C accounts for approximately 30% of cases of meningococcal disease in Canada. Students can get the vaccine by:

• Scheduling an appointment with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

• Making an appointment with your Health Care Provider.

• Going to a Walk-in clinic.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care began publicly funding Meningococcal-C vaccine to all children aged 12 years (generally in grade 7) and youth aged 15-19 years in January 2005. One-year old children born on or after September 1, 2004 can also receive the Meningococcal-C vaccine through their health care provider or the Health Unit.

For more information on Meningitis, visit Meningococcal-C Information

Jamie Ferguson, RN, BScN, Public Health Nurse

The bacteria that cause Meningitis live in the back of the nose and throat.