Meningoccal Meningitis Menactra and Menveo)
There is a risk of meningitis in travellers particularly those going to Africa and Asia. Although children in BC receive several meningitis vaccines, but they only get the meningococcal vaccine against strain C (Men C) of causative organism Neisseria meningitis. There have been sporadic cases of meningitis from other strains such as A, Y and W135 here in Canada & USA. Meningitis from all four strains of causative organism Neisseria meningitis can be prevented if the travellers get quadravalent (Men A,C,W,W135) vaccine before their travel. Injectable meningitis vaccine called Menactra and Menveo (quadravalent meningitis vaccine against all four strains (A,C,W,W135) are avilable in Canada.
British Columbia Immunization schedule recommends use of Menactra in anyone after age two years. The meningitis vaccine can prevent the risk of meningitis both locally and globally. Meningococcal vaccine is required for travel to Saudi Arabia during Hajj and Umrah.
