Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. Meningitis B along with four other strains of N. meningitidis are responsible for the majority of IMD cases in Canada.

It can be. IMD is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and/or an infection of the blood/blood poisoning (sepsis). Up to 1 in 10 cases can be fatal, often within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
It can be. Although most people recover, up to 1 in 10 people who get IMD (which can be caused by serogroup B) die, and up to 1 in 3 of those who survive may experience lifelong complications, such as hearing loss, mental disabilities, or require limb amputation.

Potentially. IMD is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and/or an infection of the blood/blood poisoning (sepsis). Up to 1 in 10 cases can be fatal, often within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

In Canada since 2007, group B strains have caused almost 60% of cases for an average of 111 cases per year.

Between the years of 2012 and 2022, most cases of IMD occurred in children under 5 years of age.

Yes! The bacteria that cause meningitis B are passed from an infected person (including people who don’t have any symptoms) to another person through close or direct contact, such as kissing, coughing, and sneezing. Transmission can also occur through saliva when sharing such items as cigarettes, lipstick, food, and drinks. It can also be passed between people due to lengthy contact, like living in the same household as someone who is carrying the bacteria.

People of all ages can be infected.

Meningitis or blood poisoning caused by strain B bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Although most people recover, even with quick and appropriate treatment, up to 1 in 10 of infected people will die. Of those who survive, up to 1 in 3 may experience lifelong complications, such as hearing loss, limb amputation, or mental disabilities. If records confirm that you or your child have not yet started a meningitis B vaccination series, ask your healthcare provider about vaccination during the appointment.

Vaccination is the most effective measure for preventing meningitis B.

Be diligent about completing the series.

Meningitis B vaccination requires more than one dose. After the first dose, don’t wait to schedule an appointment for the next dose, and be sure you or your child keeps the appointment.

Vaccination is the most effective measure for preventing meningitis B.

Since meningitis B vaccines weren’t available until 2014, they have not been added to the routine vaccination schedule in Canada yet.

If you aren’t sure whether your teen or young adult has received meningitis B vaccination, contact their healthcare provider’s office and ask for your child’s vaccination records. If records confirm they haven’t received meningitis B vaccination yet, bring it up at the next doctor visit.

If your child hasn’t had meningitis B vaccination yet, plan to ask about it at their next appointment. If they don’t have an upcoming appointment, don’t be afraid to make one!

Unless you specifically asked for it by name, the routine vaccination schedules in most provinces/territories only provide vaccines against strains A, C, W135, and Y but not B, the most common type of bacteria that causes IMD.