Meningococcal vaccines in Canada

Question 1

What are the two types of meningococcal vaccines available in Canada? When should they be given (standard AND for high risk)?

Answer 1

Serotype C meningococcal conjugate (MCV-C, Menjugate)
(12 mos)
(2, 4, 12 mos if high risk)

Quadrivalent conjugate for serotypes A, C, Y, and W-135 (MCV-4, Menactra/Menveo)
(Grade 7)
(2 yrs if high risk, also consider if HIV+)

Children at high risk of invasive meningococcal disease should start MCV-C at 2 months of age, and be given MCV-4 at 2 years of age

Question 2

Who is at high risk for invasive meningococcal disease?

Answer 2

Persons with anatomical or functional asplenia (eg, patients with sickle cell anemia)

Children with primary antibody deficiency disorders

Persons who have complement, properdin or factor D deficiency

Travellers to areas where meningococcal risk is high

Laboratory personnel with exposure to meningococcus

The military