WRHA will host meningococcal vaccine clinics for children this spring

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority offers meningococcal vaccine clinics to further protect young children from the disease.

Previously, one-year-old children received a vaccine against one strain of meningococcal bacteria.

The province is now offering an updated vaccine that protects against four different strains.

“It's a bacteria that most of us carry around behind our noses. However, sometimes people get meningococcal infection and get really, really sick and need to be hospitalized, and then one in 10 cases can even die during treatment.” said Dr. Lerly Lu, MD, of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's Division of Public Health.

The tetravalent vaccine is usually given to children in Grade 6, but this is the first time young children in Manitoba have had access to it. Quadrivalent is now offered to babies who turn one, and Lu said the province will offer a “free catch-up opportunity” for all children born between January 1, 2020 and February 28, 2023.

Meningococcal disease can cause swelling of the brain and affects people of all ages. However, children under the age of five are at high risk of experiencing serious illness that can lead to brain damage, developmental delays and long-term disability.

“Vaccines strengthen our immune system and help prevent serious diseases and complications,” Lu said.

Several public clinics are offered by the WRHA from April to May.

Upcoming clinics are posted online and can be scheduled by calling 1-844-626-8222. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Vaccines are available from family doctors and pediatricians.

WRHA also offers measles vaccines for those not yet up-to-date at government clinics.