Meningococcal Serogroup C Conjugate Vaccine

Vaccination is the best protection against meningococcal serogroup C infections and their complications. Meningitis (infection of the brain lining) and meningococcemia (infection of the blood) are two serious infections caused by serogroup C meningococcus. There are different serogroups (or types) of meningococcus, among other serogroups A, B, C, Y and W135. Serogroup B and serogroup C are the ones found most often in Québec. This vaccine protects against serogroup C.

The vaccine

Vaccination is the best protection against meningococcal serogroups C infections and their complications. In Québec, this vaccine is recommended for children at the age 1, and Secondary 3.

Symptoms after vaccination

Some symptoms may be caused by the vaccine (e.g. redness at the injection site). Other problems may occur by chance and are not related to the vaccine (e.g. cold, gastro, headache).

Meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine is safe. Most reactions are harmless and do not last long.

Frequency	Possible reactions to the vaccine	What to do
In most cases (more than 50% of people)	Pain at the injection site	Apply a cold, damp compress at the injection site. Use medication for fever or discomfort if needed. See a doctor symptoms are severe.
Very often (less than 50% of people)	Redness and swelling at the infection site Fever, drowsiness (sleepiness) and irritability, especially among children under 5 Headache, discomfort, muscle pain and joint pain especially in people age 11 or older. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

We recommend that you stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after vaccination because allergic reactions may occur. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination. The person giving the vaccine will be able to treat this reaction immediately.

For any questions, contact the person giving the vaccine, or Info-Santé (8-1-1) or your doctor.

To learn more

For more information about the meningococcal serogroup C conjugale vaccine, you can consult:

Back to regular vaccination schedule.