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 Content Editor

Meningococcal conjugate A, C, Y, W-135 (MenC-ACYW) vaccine

Learn about the MenC-ACYW vaccine, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.

Disease it protects from

The MenC-ACYW vaccine protects against 4 types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. These are types A, C, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease.

Who should get this vaccine

Grade 9 students can get the MenC-ACYW vaccine as part of the school immunization program. Students who missed getting the MenC-ACYW vaccine in Grade 9 can get it for free until the end of Grade 12.

If your child got the MenC-ACYW vaccine when they were age 12 years or older, they do not need another dose in Grade 9.

You should also get this vaccine if you are at risk for meningococcal disease because of:

  • certain health problems, such as having your spleen removed, having a spleen that does not work well, or having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • the type of work you do, such as some lab workers
  • close contact with someone with meningococcal disease

Talk to a public health nurse to find out if you can get the MenC-ACYW vaccine for free.

You may also benefit from the vaccine if you travel to an area that has a high risk of meningococcal disease. If you are getting the vaccine because of travel, it is not free.

If you cannot get the vaccine for free, check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost.

Who should not get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

  • You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine.
  • You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.

Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.

Doses

You only need 1 dose of MenC-ACYW unless you have a high risk for disease. If your risk is high, you may need extra doses.

Ask your healthcare provider how many doses you need.

Other vaccines that protect against the same disease

MenconC protects against type C meningococcal disease. As part of the routine immunization schedule, children get this vaccine starting at age 4 months. If your child got MenconC vaccine as a baby, they still need MenC-ACYW vaccine in Grade 9. This will boost their protection against type C meningococcal disease and protect them from types A, Y, and W-135. Learn about Alberta’s routine immunization schedule.

Men-B is a vaccine that protects against type B meningococcal disease. You may need Men-B vaccine along with the MenC-ACYW if you have certain types of health problems (such as having your spleen removed, having a spleen that does not work well, or HIV).

Get the vaccine

Grade 9 students can get the vaccine in school. Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided. Learn more about school immunization.

If you need the vaccine because of your work (such as working in a lab), talk to your workplace health and safety department.

If you can get this vaccine for free, contact your local public health or community health centre.

If you want the vaccine and need to pay for it, contact a travel health clinic or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Current as of: July 1, 2024
Author: Provincial Immunization Program, Alberta Health Services
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.