Burlington Travel Clinic

Meningococcal B Vaccine

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 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.

For more information read this:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/immunization/docs/meningococcal_b_hcp_qa_en.pdf