Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
Vaccines are the best way to protect your child against many diseases and their complications. When you get your child immunized, you help protect others as well.
The meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine are offered to all students in grade 9. Your child may be offered other vaccines if they have not had all doses of the recommended childhood vaccines. For more information on the recommended childhood vaccines in B.C., visit the B.C. immunization schedules for children at www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/immunizations/schedules/children.
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations that your child has received. If your child received any vaccines outside of B.C., you can update their vaccine record at www.immunizationrecord.gov.bc.ca.
The meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine protects against infection from 4 types of meningococcal bacteria: types A, C, Y and W.
For more information, visit HealthLinkBC File #23b Meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine.
Meningococcal infection is caused by bacteria. Meningococcal infection due to types A, C, Y and W is very rare in B.C. Although rare, it can cause serious and life-threatening infections. These include meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain and septicemia, an infection of the blood. For every 100 people who get sick, up to 15 will die, even if treated. Permanent complications include brain damage, deafness and loss of limbs.
Meningococcal infection spreads by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. It may spread through saliva by kissing, or sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipstick, water bottles, mouth guards used for sports and mouthpieces of musical instruments.
The Tdap vaccine protects against:
The vaccine is a booster dose for children immunized against these diseases at a younger age. The booster dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to give better protection against these diseases. Children who had a dose of Tdap vaccine on or after their tenth birthday do not need a dose in grade 9.
For more informationvisit HealthLinkBC File #18c Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by bacteria mostly found in soil. When the bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scrape or wound they produce a poison that can cause painful tightening of muscles all over the body. It is very serious if the breathing muscles are affected. Up to 1 in 5 people who get tetanus may die.
Diphtheria is a serious infection of the nose and throat caused by diphtheria bacteria. The bacteria are spread through the air by people sneezing or coughing or by direct skin-to-skin contact. The disease can result in very severe breathing problems. It can also cause heart failure and paralysis. About 1 in 10 people who get diphtheria may die.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious infection of the airways caused by pertussis bacteria. The bacteria are easily spread by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. Pertussis can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage or death. These complications are seen most often in infants. Pertussis can cause severe coughing that often ends with a whooping sound before the next breath. This cough can last several months and occurs more often at night. About 1 in 170 infants who get pertussis may die.
Common reactions may include soreness, redness and swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given. Headache, fatigue, muscle or joint soreness, nausea, irritability, loss of appetite, chills, and fever may also occur.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
For more information on Reye Syndrome, see HealthLinkBC File #84 Reye Syndrome.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine. There is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This happens in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this reaction occurs, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
You should not get the meningococcal quadrivalent conjugate vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of a meningococcal vaccine, or to any part of the vaccine.
You should not get the Tdap vaccine if you:
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. If you have concerns, speak with your health care provider.
It is recommended that parents or guardians and their children discuss consent for immunization. Children under the age of 19, who are able to understand the benefits and possible reactions for each vaccine and the risk of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations. For more information on mature minor consent visit HealthLinkBC File #119 The Infants Act, mature minor consent and immunization.
For tips on how to help your child have a positive immunization experience, visit HealthLink BC: Have a positive experience: Tips for school-age children & teens.
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