The essentials
- Usual timing
- Meningococcal protection at 12 months and in Grade 7
- How to get it
- Ask a primary care provider or public health unit about local appointments and funding.
Protects against meningococcal groups A, C, Y and W. These bacteria can cause meningitis or a rapidly progressing bloodstream infection. This vaccine does not cover group B, which has a separate vaccine.
School status
Meningococcal disease is included in Ontario’s school requirements. Public health reviews the vaccine type, age when doses were given and the child’s age; an infant dose is not proof that adolescent requirements are complete.
Side effects & precautions
Soreness, redness or swelling where the needle went in, headache, tiredness or fever can occur. Tell the vaccinator if needles have caused fainting before. Side-effect guidance
A severe allergic reaction is rare. Some medical conditions, travel or outbreaks require additional protection. Ask a provider whether this applies.
Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat. Not sure whether a reaction is expected? Contact a healthcare provider or call 811 for advice. Seek care promptly if symptoms are worrying or getting worse.
Useful to know
Why two life stages?
Protection needs to cover both early childhood and adolescence. The July 2026 federal provincial schedule lists ACYW at Ontario’s 12-month and Grade 7 visits. Ontario’s public schedule uses the broader term “meningococcal conjugate.” Confirm the product with the clinic.
An older record says Men-C-C
That is the earlier vaccine covering group C. Do not assume it must be repeated. A provider or public health unit can confirm which doses count and what is needed next.
Ingredients & more detail
Check the exact product
Ask the clinic for the product name. Its official Canadian product information (product monograph) lists ingredients, packaging, side effects and precautions. This page is a short overview, not a complete safety list.
Your next step
Bring the immunization record and a list of questions to the visit. Ask which doses count, what comes next and how to report new doses to public health.
Sources and references (6)
- Ontario — routine immunization schedule
- Public Health Agency of Canada — provincial childhood schedules (July 2026)
- NACI — May 2026 update on meningococcal vaccines under age 2
- Ontario — vaccines for children at school
- Health Canada — Drug Product Database and product monographs
- Canadian Immunization Guide — clinical guidance
Program details can change. How this guide is reviewed