EVEN IF YOUR CHILD RECEIVED A MENINGITIS
VACCINE, THEY MAY BE MISSING COVERAGE
FOR MENINGITIS B*
The five most common types/strains of the bacteria that cause invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD) are A, B, C, W135 and Y. In Canada, strain B was responsible for the most cases of IMD*. But since vaccines against meningitis B have only been available since 2014, it may not have been included in your child’s routine immunization schedule.
* Meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.
Serogroup B was responsible for the most cases of IMD in Canada from 2011 through 2019.*
* Based on most recent data available.In Canada, from 2011 to 2019, the incidence rate of Invasive Meningococcal Disease or IMD (per 100,000 population) was the highest among infants younger than 1 year of age, followed by children 1 to 4 years of age, and adolescents 15 to 19 years of age.
Although most people recover, even with appropriate treatment, up to 1 in 10 cases can be fatal, often within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Up to 1 in 5 IMD survivors may experience lifelong complications such as hearing loss, mental disabilities or limb loss.
WHAT IS MENINGITIS B?
Meningitis B is a meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. Serogroup B, along with four other strains of N. meningitidis, are responsible for the majority of invasive meningococcal disease cases in Canada.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms can be hard to notice because they begin mildly—similar to those of a cold or the flu. However, symptoms can progress quickly and may include:
- Headache
- Sudden fever
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
Other symptoms may include: Cold chills, feeling tired, vomiting or diarrhea, cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, a dark purple rash.
It can be even harder to notice these symptoms in babies and they may not appear at all. Instead, a baby may become slow or inactive, be irritable or vomit.
Invasive meningococcal disease can become fatal within a matter of hours after the onset of symptoms.
How is meningitis B transmitted?
The bacteria that causes meningitis B lives in the nose and throat and is spread from one person to another by contact. They can be spread easily through everyday behaviours, including:
- Coughing & sneezing
- Sharing drinks & eating utensils
- Kissing
- Living in close quarters
Is your child missing coverage against meningitis B?
The vaccines most children receive cover strains/types A, C, W135 and Y, not meningitis B. That’s because meningitis B vaccines weren’t available until 2014 and have not yet been added to the routine vaccination schedule in Canada.