From Our Partner
Broad IMD Protection

Whether we like it or not, germs are everywhere and they lurk in all the places that our kids hang out. Think about classrooms, playgrounds, books and toys—prime breeding grounds. Studies show that about 80% of the infections many of us suffer are caused by germs transferred from other people.

Sure, not all germs are bad and some exposure to them can even help build a stronger immune system. But what about when those germs are life threatening? Of course you want to do anything you can to ensure that your child is not exposed or vulnerable to those kinds of germs.

Consider this: invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is one of the most devastating diseases, affecting 200–300 Canadians each year. Each week, an average of four Canadians, mostly children and teens, are infected with invasive meningococcal disease. It can be transmitted in a number of ways, such as coughing, kissing, sharing drinks, water bottles or eating utensils. It can cause serious illness, long-term disabilities such as amputation and neurological damage, and death. In fatal cases, death can occur within 24 to 48 hours with the onset of flu-like symptoms. 

Luckily, there is help. Menactra® is the only meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against all four vaccine preventable strains with over 5 years of real world experience, and over 30 million doses distributed.

In fact, the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) now recommend routine immunization with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine, such as Menactra®, for adolescents. The CPS also states physicians can offer Menactra® for children over two years previously immunized against strain C, to reduce the risk of IMD caused by strains A, Y and W-135. 

The point is that broad protection with Menactra® is important. Adolescents are at the highest risk of this vaccine preventable disease and while Ontario adolescents in grade nine and older may have been previously vaccinated against strain C (grade seven students in Ontario are all vaccinated at school), it’s important to talk to your doctor to ensure they have the broadest possible protection. Children who missed the program, or who are younger than grade seven, can get Menactra® for a small fee through their physicians’ office.

Children from the age of two years who were previously immunized against one strain of the disease (strain C) are still vulnerable to the other vaccine-preventable strains (A, Y, and W-135), against which Menactra® also protects. 

So the question is what are you doing to protect your children? The answer fortunately is simple—speak to your doctor for more information on Menactra® and about broad protection against meningococcal meningitis for your children.

Here are more facts and tips to help ensure your family is protected. 

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