According to the Ministry of Health about 70% of IMD (Invasive Meningococcal Disease) in Ontario can be caused by Meningococcal serogroup B against which Meningococcal B vaccine or Bexsero® is effective.
Invasive meningococcal disease and meningitis are serious illnesses which can lead to death and disability are spread through contact with respiratory secretions and saliva of a sick person, simply like catching a cold.It is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitides which many people carry in their nose and throat without having symptoms ( carriers) and can pass to other healthy individuals leading to IMD and meningitis.
Currently there is different types of vaccines against different meningitis strains including the Meningococcal B (approved for ages 2 months-17 years ) and the Quadrivalent A,C,Y,W-135 (approved for 2 months age and older) vaccines.In Ontario the meningococcal B is only publicly funded or covered for patients with certain medical conditions.The quadrivalent A,C,Y,W-135 is publicly funded for students in grade 7 only.
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