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Meningococcal C Vaccine

Men-C-C — protects against meningococcal disease, type C (Menjugate® or NeisVac-C®)

Quick Summary

Meningococcal C Vaccine (Men-C-C)

Protects against meningococcal disease caused by the type C strain.

Required for school Publicly funded
Disease Protected Against
Meningococcal disease (type C) — a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infection.
Ontario Routine Timing
One dose at 12 months of age
Number of Doses
One dose for routine childhood protection (higher-risk children may need more)
Publicly Funded Status
Yes — provided free of charge at 12 months
Bottom line: The meningococcal C vaccine protects against a serious type of bacterial infection. It's given once at 12 months and meningococcal disease is required for school attendance under Ontario law (unless a valid exemption applies). A separate meningococcal vaccine covering more strains (Men-C-ACYW) is given later, in Grade 7.
The Disease

What it protects against

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This vaccine protects against the type C strain specifically.

Form of disease What parents might notice How it spreads Why it can be serious How vaccination helps
Meningitis Fever, irritability, poor feeding, drowsiness, a stiff neck, or sensitivity to light. In babies, signs can be hard to spot and may come on quickly. Through close contact with respiratory or throat secretions — coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or utensils, or kissing. Infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord can become life-threatening very quickly and may cause lasting effects such as hearing loss or brain injury. The vaccine helps the immune system recognize the type C bacteria's coating and respond quickly.
Bloodstream infection (septicemia) Fever, a very unwell-seeming child, and sometimes a distinctive rash that doesn't fade when pressed. Same close-contact spread as above. Meningococcal septicemia can progress rapidly and be life-threatening. It's one of the reasons this infection is treated as a medical emergency. Vaccination reduces the chance of this serious invasive infection from the type C strain.
Meningococcal disease is uncommon, but when it occurs it can be extremely serious and move quickly — which is why prevention matters. The type C vaccine protects against one important strain; a later vaccine in Grade 7 (Men-C-ACYW) broadens protection to four strains (A, C, Y, and W). Neither covers the separate "B" strain, for which a different vaccine exists.
Timing & Schedule

Why it's given at this age

Why at 12 months? The routine dose is given at the first birthday, when a child's immune system responds well to the conjugate vaccine and builds lasting protection. It's given alongside several other 12-month vaccines.

Why one dose? For healthy children, a single dose of Men-C-C at 12 months provides good protection. Children at higher risk of meningococcal disease (due to certain medical conditions) may need additional or earlier doses — a healthcare provider can advise if this applies.

What if it's late? If the 12-month dose is delayed, it can generally be given at the next opportunity. A healthcare provider or public health unit can confirm the right timing. See the Catch-Up & Missing Records page.

Can it be given with other vaccines? Yes. At the 12-month visit it's routinely given alongside other scheduled vaccines such as MMR and the pneumococcal booster, at different injection sites.

This is not the same as the Grade 7 meningococcal vaccine. The 12-month Men-C-C protects against the type C strain. In Grade 7, a different meningococcal vaccine (Men-C-ACYW) protects against four strains. Both are part of Ontario's schedule and both relate to the ISPA "meningococcal disease" requirement.
Ontario School & Reporting Status

School and reporting status

Meningococcal disease is required for school attendance under Ontario law. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), Ontario requires immunization against meningococcal disease for school attendance, unless a valid medical or non-medical exemption is on file. The Men-C-C vaccine (given at 12 months) is how this protection usually begins.

Meningococcal protection in Ontario comes in two stages: the type C vaccine at 12 months, and the broader Men-C-ACYW vaccine in Grade 7. Public health tracks meningococcal immunization against the ISPA requirement; your public health unit can confirm what's needed for your child's age.

Reporting: As with all vaccines, parents and caregivers are generally responsible for reporting their child's immunizations to their local public health unit, since healthcare providers do not always do this automatically. Make sure the 12-month dose is recorded on the immunization record (the "yellow card") and reported — for example, through Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) if your area uses it.

Exemptions: If your child cannot receive this vaccine for medical reasons, or you are seeking a non-medical exemption, see the School Requirements hub for the process.

Ingredient Transparency

What's in this vaccine

Two Men-C-C products are used in Ontario: Menjugate® (GSK) and NeisVac-C® (Pfizer). They differ mainly in their "carrier protein." The information below covers both, based on their Health Canada product monographs. Neither is a live vaccine.

Ingredient / Component Category Why it's there Plain-English explanation
Meningococcal group C polysaccharide, linked to a carrier protein Active ingredient Trains the immune system to recognize the type C meningococcal bacteria. The sugar coating of the bacteria is linked ("conjugated") to a harmless carrier protein so a young child's immune system responds strongly. In Menjugate the carrier is CRM197 (a diphtheria-related protein); in NeisVac-C it's tetanus toxoid. Neither contains live bacteria.
Aluminum hydroxide Adjuvant Helps the immune system respond more strongly. An aluminum-based adjuvant used in small amounts, with a long track record of safe use in vaccines.
Mannitol (in Menjugate) Stabilizer Helps keep the vaccine stable. A sugar alcohol used as a stabilizer in some foods and medicines.
Sodium chloride Tonicity agent Helps match the vaccine's salt concentration to the body's. Ordinary salt, so the injection is gentler on the tissues.
Water for injection Base The liquid base of the vaccine. Sterile water making up most of the injection.
About carrier proteins and allergies: Because the carrier proteins are related to diphtheria (Menjugate) or tetanus (NeisVac-C), this vaccine is generally not recommended for anyone with a history of a serious allergic reaction to a diphtheria- or tetanus-containing vaccine. These vaccines don't replace routine diphtheria/tetanus immunization. The Menjugate prefilled syringe tip cap may contain latex (the vial format does not) — mention a latex allergy to your provider.
Side Effects & Safety

Side effects and safety

Expected / common side effects

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the needle was given
  • Mild fever
  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Reduced appetite

Timing and duration: These reactions usually begin within a day of the vaccine and typically settle within 1–2 days.

Home care: A cool compress can ease injection-site soreness. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used as directed for discomfort or fever — check with a pharmacist or provider on appropriate dosing for your child's age and weight. Children under 19 should not be given ASA (Aspirin) or salicylate-containing products.

When to call a healthcare provider: If a fever is high or persistent, if your child seems unusually unwell, or if you're unsure — it's always reasonable to call.

Many children have no side effects at all, and that does not mean the vaccine didn't work.

Rare but important

  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — reported rarely after vaccination in general; exact frequency varies by source.
  • High fever or persistent crying lasting several hours — uncommon, but worth a call to a healthcare provider.

What clinics do to reduce risk: Clinics ask about allergy history before vaccination and are equipped with epinephrine and trained staff in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Observation period: Many clinics recommend staying nearby for about 15 minutes after vaccination, as severe allergic reactions — though rare — typically occur shortly after the injection.

Get urgent help now if your child has:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
  • Widespread hives together with breathing difficulty
  • Severe weakness, limpness, or unresponsiveness
  • A seizure
  • Persistent, inconsolable crying that won't settle, or you are very worried
  • A high or persistent fever, especially in a young infant
  • Any symptom that feels serious or is rapidly getting worse

If any of these occur, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Otherwise, contact a healthcare provider and let them know what happened — this information also helps with vaccine safety monitoring.

Before the Appointment

Who should pause or speak with a healthcare provider first

Speak with a healthcare provider before this vaccine if:

  • Your child has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine, or to any component
  • Your child has had a serious allergic reaction to a diphtheria- or tetanus-containing vaccine (the carrier proteins are related)
  • Your child has a moderate or severe acute illness (it's generally fine to wait until they feel better)
  • Your child has a latex allergy (the Menjugate prefilled syringe tip cap may contain latex; alternatives exist)

These usually do NOT require delaying this vaccine:

  • A mild cold or other minor illness without fever
  • Currently breastfeeding
  • A stable, ongoing chronic health condition
  • Currently taking antibiotics for an unrelated condition
Common Questions

Questions parents often ask

No — they're different. This one (Men-C-C, at 12 months) protects against the type C strain. The Grade 7 vaccine (Men-C-ACYW) protects against four strains (A, C, Y, W). Both are part of Ontario's schedule and both relate to the school requirement for meningococcal disease.
No. Meningitis can be caused by several different bacteria and viruses. This vaccine protects specifically against meningococcal type C. Other vaccines on the schedule (like Hib, pneumococcal, and the Grade 7 Men-C-ACYW) protect against other causes. The separate meningococcal "B" strain has its own vaccine, which isn't part of the routine schedule for all children.
Being behind does not mean starting the series over. The remaining doses can generally be given following minimum spacing guidelines. Visit the Catch-Up & Missing Records page, or speak with a healthcare provider to confirm the right plan for your child.
Generally, no. A mild cold without fever is usually not a reason to delay. If your child has a fever or seems more unwell, it's reasonable to mention this to the clinic — they can advise whether to proceed or reschedule.
A mild fever after a previous dose is common and is not usually a reason to avoid future doses. Let the clinic know about the previous reaction — they can advise on any precautions, such as giving acetaminophen proactively, and will watch for any pattern.
This is common and manageable. Gather whatever records you have, and contact your local public health unit or healthcare provider — they can often help locate or reconstruct records, or advise on next steps if records truly cannot be found. See the Catch-Up & Missing Records page.
This vaccine is typically given by a family doctor or nurse practitioner as part of routine infant well-child visits. Some public health units also offer immunization clinics. See the Resources page for links to find services in your area.
Parents and caregivers are generally responsible for reporting vaccines to their local public health unit — healthcare providers do not always do this automatically. Many areas use Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) for this. See the Resources page for links.
Mild soreness, redness, fussiness, or a low fever for a day or two are common and expected. Review the "Get urgent help now" list above — if any of those signs occur, seek urgent care. Otherwise, contact a healthcare provider with any concerns.
What the Evidence Shows

What we know about meningococcal vaccination

Fact Meningococcal disease is uncommon, but it can be devastating and progress within hours — which is why prevention is prioritized even though most people will never encounter it.
Concern Some parents wonder why a vaccine is needed for a disease that is rare.
Evidence Even though cases are uncommon, meningococcal disease can be fatal or cause permanent harm such as brain injury, hearing loss, or limb loss, sometimes in previously healthy children. Because it moves so quickly, prevention through vaccination is far more reliable than counting on early treatment. Routine type C vaccination has been associated with reductions in type C disease.
Takeaway Vaccinating against a rare but rapidly dangerous disease is a case where prevention is especially valuable, because the disease can outpace treatment.
Ontario Next Steps

What to do next

Where to get it

Typically given by a family doctor or nurse practitioner during routine well-child visits. Some public health units also offer clinics.

What to bring

Your child's immunization record (the "yellow card"), health card if available, and a list of any allergies or previous reactions.

If you're behind

Catching up does not mean restarting. Visit the Catch-Up & Missing Records page or ask your provider for a review.

If records are missing

Contact your local public health unit — they may have records on file, or can advise on next steps.

If vaccinated outside Ontario

Bring any available records to a healthcare provider for review — products and schedules elsewhere may differ slightly from Ontario's.

Contact public health

For record reporting, school requirements, or general questions, see the Resources page for your local public health unit's contact details.

Sources

Where this information comes from

This page is based on:

Last reviewed: June 2026  ·  Next review due: December 2026
Schedules, products, and eligibility can change. Always confirm current details with your healthcare provider, your local public health unit, or official Ontario sources.

Please note: This is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Government of Ontario, the Ministry of Health, or any public health unit. The information here is for general education only and is not medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your or your child's immunizations.