Stay On Top of Meningococcal Vaccination Updates

Top Takeaways

• Men-C-ACYW vaccines now replace monovalent Men-C vaccines for routine meningococcal immunization.
• Dispense an age-appropriate Men-C-ACYW vaccine and keep high-risk patients on schedule for boosters.
• Watch for vaccine mix-ups, as Men-C-ACYW products differ in age indications and preparation.

Questions are swirling about meningococcal vaccination...now that monovalent vaccines (Menjugate, NeisVac‑C) are no longer available.

Meningococcal disease is rare. But about 10% of cases are fatal...and up to 20% result in long-term complications, such as brain damage.

Help eligible patients get the right vaccine at the right time.

Infants and children will start routine meningococcal vaccination with QUADrivalent conjugate Men-C-ACYW vaccine...instead of MONOvalent conjugate C vaccine.

Expect to dispense 1 dose of Men-C-ACYW vaccine (Menveo, MenQuadfi, Nimenrix) for healthy patients 12 to 23 months, regardless of any doses given in the first year.

If your provincial/territorial immunization schedule includes meningococcal vaccination prior to 12 months, expect it will also be replaced with an age-appropriate Men-C-ACYW vaccine.

Younger patients 2 months and up will also get Men-C-ACYW vaccination if they are at increased risk...such as those with asplenia, including sickle cell disease.

Expect to dispense other needed routine vaccines at the same time as Men-C-ACYW...it’s okay to give them at the same visit.

Adolescents and young adults will continue to get 1 dose of Men-C-ACYW around age 12...depending on your provincial immunization schedule.

Expect certain patients to be back for a booster every 5 years, such as those at high risk due to an underlying medical condition, military personnel working in high-risk situations, or lab personnel at risk of exposure.

Keep in mind, Men-C-ACYW vaccines are interchangeable, if needed.

But stay alert for mix-ups when ordering, prepping doses, etc.

For example, Menveo and Nimenrix require reconstitution when prepping doses...but MenQuadfi comes in a solution form. Watch for a new solution form of Menveo expected in 2027.

And be sure to check that it’s an age-appropriate vaccine when processing the Rx...MenQuadfi is approved for 6 weeks and older...Menveo for 2 months to 55 years...and Nimenrix from 6 weeks to 55 years.

See our Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines chart for advice on outbreaks and to compare costs, dosing schedules, and more.

• Chart: Comparison of Meningococcal Vaccines (Canada)