ABOUT MENINGITIS B

FACTS ABOUT INVASIVE MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE (IMD) AND MENINGITIS B*

Icon of bacteria

IMD is a serious bacterial infection caused by bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Symptoms can be hard to diagnose and after the appearance of the first symptom, the infected person could die within 24-48 hours.

WHAT IS MENINGITIS B*?

There are five serogroups (A,C,Y,W135, and B) of bacteria N. meningitidis that causes majority of IMD. Meningitis B* is IMD caused by serogroup B.

Unlike serogroups A,C,Y, and W135, meningitis B* vaccination is not part of your vaccination schedule.

Icon of map

MENINGITIS B* IS 49.5% of all IMD CASES IN CANADA

In Canada, almost half (49.5%) of all IMD cases and the majority of deaths (52%) were due to meningitis B.*

Icon of infant

WHO IS AT RISK?

In teens and young adults (15-24 years old), Meningitis B* was responsible for the majority (53%) of IMD cases (2012-2019).

Help protect yourself against Meningitis B*

Teen reading outside

HOW IS MENINGITIS B* OR IMD SPREAD?

Icon of bacteria

Meningitis B* or IMD can spread from an infected person (including carriers) through:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Kissing or close physical contact
  • Sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses
Icon of people

Carriers are those who carry the N. meningitidis bacteria without showing symptoms:

  • Up to 1 in 10 healthy people are carriers
  • They can remain carriers and symptomless for 6 months
  • Healthy adolescents and young adults are the most common carriers of the bacteria (up to 30% carriage)

Because preventing the spread of germs is nearly impossible, getting vaccinated can help prevent meningitis B*

Graduation Cap

IMD has historically occurred in:

  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Campuses
  • Other places where there are a large number of teens and young adults

BEXSERO is a vaccine, for individuals from 2 months through 25 years of age, for the prevention of meningitis B.*

What are the symptoms and the consequences?

Icon of thermometer

Early symptoms are like a cold or flu (e.g., fever, headache, aches and pains in joints and muscles), hence they can be difficult to diagnose.

Icon of 1 in 10

Up to 1 in 10 patients die (typically within 24 to 48 hours of first symptoms).§

Icon of one third

Up to 1 in 3 patients who survives experiences serious complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and amputations.§

Meningitis B* starts quickly and may progress within 24 hours to serious, possibly life-threatening infections.§

teen heading to college
Teen studying

Talk to your doctor about vaccination against meningitis B.*

* Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.

† BEXSERO is not expected to provide protection against all circulating meningococcal serogroup B strains and does not offer protection against strains A, C, Y, and W-135.

‡ BEXSERO is indicated for individuals as early as 2 months through 25 years of age. 

§ BEXSERO does not treat or reduce the consequences of meningococcal disease, including meningitis, sepsis, and death.