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 may not be able to get this vaccine

You may not be able to get this vaccine if:

• You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have.
• You had a severe (serious) or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it.

If either of these apply, check with your healthcare provider 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.

How well it works

The protection for types A, C, Y, and W-135 meningococcal disease with the MenC-ACYW vaccine is around 80% to 85%. Protection may weaken over time.

Safety

Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.

Side effects

There can be side effects from the MenC-ACYW vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:

• redness where you had the needle that may look red on lighter skin or purple on darker skin
• swelling, bruising or feeling sore where you had the needle
• crying, feeling tired or unwell, or getting upset easily
• a headache
• a fever or chills
• body aches or sore joints
• not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat (poor appetite)
• feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), vomiting (throwing up), or loose stool (diarrhea)
• a rash

At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine caused these side effects.

It is important to stay for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.

It is rare to have a serious side effect after a vaccine. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.

How to manage side effects

• To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
• There is medicine to help with a fever or pain. Check with your healthcare provider if you're not sure what medicine or dose to take. Follow the directions on the package.
• Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their healthcare provider if they get a fever. If you have been told to do this, call your healthcare provider even if you think the fever is from the vaccine

There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.