February 17th, 2017

This information is shared on behalf of Region of Waterloo Public Health. New! Meningococcal vaccine (Menactra) will be delivered to Grade 7 students through community clinics offered for the 2016-17 school year. Clinics are drop-in and will run from 3:30pm – 7:30pm.

What is Meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a very serious infection caused by the bacteria neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can cause Meningococcal disease in two forms: meningitis (inflammation of the membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (infection of the blood and organs). Meningococcal disease causes death in up to 15 percent of cases.

How is Meningococcal disease spread?

Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the nose and throat of up to 10 percent of healthy people without causing illness.  The bacteria can be spread to others through direct contact with fluid from the nose or throat (saliva, sputum or nasal mucous) of an infected person.  Sharing things like food and drinks, eating utensils and cups, lipstick, lip gloss or cigarettes and kissing are most likely to spread Meningococcal bacteria.

What are the symptoms of Meningococcal disease?

Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and occasionally a rash.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can get infected with Meningococcal disease, it is most common in children under five, adolescents and young adults.

How can I protect myself?

  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing items that have come in contact with another person’s mouth
  • Use good hand washing techniques

Meninogoccal Vaccine

The vaccine provided to students in Grade 7 is also known as Menactra and offers protection against Meningococcal types A, C, Y and W135. Meningococcal vaccine is a mandatory vaccine for school attendance in the province of Ontario.  Students who do not get this vaccine will be sent a reminder notice in Grade 8 to obtain the vaccine or they may face suspension from school.

For more information please contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400 or TTY 519-575-4608

2017 Region of Waterloo Community Menactra Clinics

Date Location
Wednesday, February 22 Resurrection Catholic Secondary School
455 University Avenue West, Kitchener
Wednesday, March 1 St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School
1500 Block Line Road, Kitchener
Wednesday, April 19 Waterloo Collegiate Institute
300 Hazel Street, Waterloo
Wednesday, May 24 Galt Collegiate Institute
200 Water Street North, Cambridge
Wednesday, May 31 Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute
301 Charles Street East, Kitchener
Wednesday, June 7 Bluevale Collegiate Institute
80 Bluevale Street North, Waterloo
Wednesday, June 14 Region of Waterloo Public Health
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo

All clinics are drop-in and run from 3:30pm – 7:30pm

Categories: Principal's Message