Updated meningococcal vaccine available for infants, children in Manitoba

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is hosting clinics throughout April and May with an updated quadrivalent vaccine for infants and children.

The vaccine protects against four different strains of meningococcal bacteria. Previously, the vaccine for year-old children only protected against a single type of bacteria, according to the WRHA.

The health authority recommends infants 12 months old and children born between Jan. 1, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2023, get the injection.

Theupdate is new for the youngest Manitobans, but it has been given to those in Grade 6"very successfully" for years, Winnipeg physician Dr. Lerly Luo told CBCManitoba Up To Speedhost Faith Fundal.

"We just wanted to expand this protection to also protect our younger babies as well, knowing how vulnerable they are to severe disease,"Luosaid."It's really really important to offer our kids the best protection."

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can affectpeople of all ages. However, children younger than five have a higher risk of more severe illness and long-term complications, according to the Government of Canada.

One in 10people who get the illness will die, while one in three infected children can have harmful long-term effects, even if treated quickly, including loss of hearing and brain damage.

"With a lot of those [risks] considered, we know that the meningococcal vaccine is really effective," Luo said. "It's safe. It can strengthen our immune system and offer us the best defence."

Luo says there have been a number of cases in the last few months and believes gaps in vaccinations after the pandemic were the cause.

Children who have already had the monovalent meningococcal-C vaccine are eligible for the updated version.

In addition to offering the updated meningococcal vaccine, the WRHA clinics also have measles vaccines available. Two doses of the vaccine offer more than 95 per cent protection against the highly infectious viral infection.

Appointments can be made by calling 1-844-626-8222 or by walking into a clinic location.

Children can also get the vaccine through the family doctor or pediatrician. Clinic locations can be found on the WRHA's website.