Meningococcal Conjugate Quadrivalent (Men-C-ACYW) Vaccine

The meningococcal conjugate quadrivalent vaccine provides protection against four types of meningococcal bacteria (ACYW). It is given as an injection into the upper arm. 

The vaccine is provided to children through the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule at 12 months of age and for adolescents in Grade 9 as part of the school-based immunization program. The vaccine is also recommended for individuals who have been a close contact of a person with invasive meningococcal disease.

Multiple vaccines can be given at the same time. This means earlier protection against multiple diseases and fewer appointments. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and does not compromise the effectiveness of vaccines.   

Meningococcal disease is highest among children less than four years old followed by people aged 15 to 24 years old. This disease can cause serious illness and complications such as death and permanent disabilities (neurologic disabilities, hearing loss and digit or limb loss). When you or your child is immunized, they also help protect others.  

The meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease 

The vaccine should not be given if you or your child had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past or is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine or its container.

If your child previously received a meningococcal C monovalent vaccine (Men-C-C) at 12 months they are considered up-to -date and will not be eligible for the meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine (Men-C-ACYW) until Grade 9. 

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.  

Reactions are generally mild and last one to two days. The most common reactions include soreness, redness and/or swelling where the vaccine was given, headache, irritability and fever. For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever and discomfort. 

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips.

This reaction can be treated.  Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms. 

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact a primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office, or call Tele-Care (811).   

In New Brunswick, the publicly funded meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine is provided through your local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité) or primary care provider.

If you have been identified as someone who is a close contact of an infected person with meningococcal disease and need to be vaccinated, your local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité) will provide you the vaccine.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to into your account.  

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place. 

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected]. 

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.  

Vaccination for adults - Canada.ca  – Vaccination isn’t just for babies and children. Learn why vaccination is vital for adults too from the Government of Canada.  

Vaccines for children: About vaccines – Learn how vaccines are administered and their benefit to your child’s immune system from the Government of Canada.     

Immunization | Caring for kids – Information on vaccines routinely given to children and the safety protocols they follow is provided by Caring for Kids.  

Meningitis - Protect your child against meningitis disease. School brochure for Grade 9 students in New Brunswick