Meningococcal vaccine: age and grade by province

Which meningococcal vaccine a child gets in Canada, and when, depends on where the family lives. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s provincial and territorial schedule, last updated in 2026, shows that most provinces offer a teenage booster in school, but the grade ranges from Grade 4 to Grade 12.

The schedule covers two vaccines. Men-C-C protects against meningococcal serogroup C. Men-C-ACYW-135 protects against four serogroups: A, C, Y and W-135. A third type, a serogroup B vaccine, is also available in Canada, but it does not appear in the provincial table.

Invasive meningococcal disease is rare in Canada, with about 100 cases a year, the federal agency says on its prevention and risks page. It can be very serious. The bacteria spread through droplets of saliva or mucus, including through coughing, sneezing, kissing and sharing drinks or utensils. About 10 per cent of people carry the bacteria without becoming ill.

From 2012 to 2022, most new cases were in infants under one, children aged one to four, youth aged 15 to 19 and young adults aged 20 to 24, according to the agency.

The federal table lists ages and grades but does not state how many doses are given at each point. Provinces also change their programs from time to time, so families should confirm details with their provincial public health program.

British Columbia

Men-C-C at 2 and 12 months, and Men-C-ACYW-135 in Grade 9.

Alberta

Men-C-C at 4 and 12 months, and Men-C-ACYW-135 in Grade 9.

Saskatchewan

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and in Grade 8.

Manitoba

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and in Grade 6.

Ontario

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and in Grade 7.

Quebec

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 18 months and in the third year of secondary school. The agency notes a catch-up program that year for missed vaccines, such as those against meningococcal serogroup C.

New Brunswick

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and in Grade 9.

Nova Scotia

Men-C-C at 12 months and Men-C-ACYW-135 in Grade 7.

Prince Edward Island

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and in Grade 9.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Men-C-C at 12 months and Men-C-ACYW-135 in Grade 4.

Yukon

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 12 months and, for adolescents 12 and older, in Grade 9.

Northwest Territories

Men-C-C is not publicly funded. Men-C-ACYW-135 is listed at 2 and 12 months, and in Grade 12 for people attending post-secondary school outside the territory or military recruits who will live in a congregate setting.

Nunavut

Men-C-C at 12 months and Men-C-ACYW-135 in Grade 9.

Symptoms and when to get help

The agency’s symptoms page lists fever, stiff neck and intense headache as common signs of meningitis. A rash of reddish-purplish spots that do not fade when pressed can be a sign of sepsis. Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after infection.

The agency says complications and death can happen very rapidly, and that treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible is most effective. Anyone with these symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately or go to a local emergency room.

Protection can wane over time, the agency says, and booster doses may be recommended for some people. Providers may also advise vaccination for people without a spleen, travellers to certain regions and close contacts of someone with the disease. Common side effects are soreness, swelling and redness where the needle went in, usually gone within a few days.

This article is based on official guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada and is provided for general public information. It’s not a substitute for medical advice, if you have questions about how this applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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Sources: Provincial and territorial routine and catch-up vaccination schedule for infants and children in Canada; Invasive meningococcal disease: Prevention and risks; Invasive meningococcal disease: Symptoms and treatment, Public Health Agency of Canada.