Meningococcal vaccines protect against meningococcal infection, a very rare but serious and sometimes life-threatening disease. As part of Nova Scotia’s Routine Immunization Schedule (PDF), the Meningococcal C vaccine is provided at no cost to children at 12 months of age and Meningococcal A, C, W and Y vaccine is provided at no cost in grade 7. Click Here to learn more about the Meningococcal vaccine.

You can get a Meningococcal B vaccine if you’re at increased risk at no cost.

Those at an increased risk include:

• Those who are 25 years old or younger and are:
  • entering post-secondary education and will be living in a congregate setting operated by a post-secondary institution (like a residence or dormitory) for the first time
    • If you’re eligible, you should get the meningococcal B vaccine before entering congregate living. You should get the second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
  • a military recruit who will be living in a congregate setting (like military barracks) for the first time

You should bring proof of eligibility documentation (like your acceptance letter into residence or orders to present to military basic training) to your vaccine appointment.

• Those that have the following immune-suppressing conditions:
  • congenital immunodeficiency
  • hematopoietic stem cell transplant
  • HIV
  • immunosuppressive therapy
  • solid organ transplant
  • splenic disorders including sickle cell disease or other hemoglobinopathies