School Immunization Clinics - Vaccine Information

Meningococcal ACYW-135 Vaccine (Menactra®, Menveo®, MenQuadfi® or Nimenrix®)
Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombivax HB® or Engerix®-B)
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine – HPV (Gardasil®9)
Schedule of Vaccines in Ontario
Immunization Schedule for the School Year
Who Should Not Get These Vaccines
Prepare for the Vaccine
What to Expect After Vaccination

Meningococcal ACYW-135 Vaccine (Menactra®, Menveo®, MenQuadfi® or Nimenrix®)

• This vaccine helps to protect against meningococcal disease caused by strains (serogroups) A, C, Y and W-135.
• The meningococcal bacteria spreads through direct contact with oral secretions, such as by sharing food, drinks, lipstick, toothbrushes, water bottles, musical instruments and kissing.
• The bacteria lives in the back of the nose and throat.
• The meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis (a serious illness that causes swelling in the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (an infection in the blood stream).
• Symptoms of meningococcal disease can be severe and sudden, and can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a red pin-point rash with bruising.
• This illness can cause death, loss of hearing, neurologic disabilities and limb amputation.
• The vaccine is free of charge to students in Grades 7 to 12 in Ontario.

IMPORTANT: A dose of Menactra vaccine is required by law for all children 12 years or older (Grade 7 or above) attending school in Ontario – unless a valid legal exemption has been filed for medical or philosophical reasons (Immunization of School Pupils Act).

A meningococcal-C immunization (i.e. Menjugate or NeisVac-C) is a different vaccine which the child may have had as a baby. If the child had one or more meningococcal-C vaccines in the past, the meningococcal ACYW-135 vaccine is still required now.

Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombivax HB® or Engerix®-B)

• This vaccine helps to protect against Hepatitis B, which is a virus that affects the liver.
• Many people who have had the virus do not have any symptoms but can still spread it.
• The virus spreads from an infected person’s blood and body fluids through:
  • Unprotected sex
  • Sharing used needles
  • Sharing personal items (such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, etc.)
  • Contact with blood during procedures or accidents
  • Body/ear piercing, tattooing, or spa procedures with infected equipment
  • Receiving medical care in a developing country
  • An infected mother can pass the infection to her baby during birth
• Symptoms can include: weakness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, fever, stomach pain and jaundice (a yellowish colouring of the skin and eyes).
• This infection can last a long time and cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer or death.
• This vaccine is free of charge for eligible students.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine – HPV (Gardasil®9)

• HPV is a family of viruses with over 100 types; this vaccine protects against 9 of the most common disease-causing HPV types.
• Almost all cervical cancers are caused by an HPV infection.
• These viruses can also cause genital warts, cervical changes, and other types of cancer (i.e. vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile and possibly mouth and throat).
• HPV infection is spread by skin-to-skin contact; you do not have to have intercourse to spread it.
• It can be spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex.
• Condoms may not cover all skin areas that have the virus.
• A person can spread HPV even when they don’t have any signs or symptoms.
• Giving the vaccine before the start of any sexual activity will help to protect against future HPV contact.
• Abstinence from sexual activity and close skin-to-skin contact can also decrease the risk of HPV infection.
• Pap smears will identify early cervical changes, allowing treatment to be started against possible cervical cancer.
• The vaccine is free of charge for eligible students.

Schedule of Vaccines in Ontario

Please verify your records to ensure the vaccines were not previously administered by a healthcare provider or while attending school in another province.

Immunization Schedule for the School Year

Three vaccines could be given on the same day at school clinics depending on which vaccines the parent/guardian(s) choose.

Who Should Not Get These Vaccines

• Anyone who is feeling unwell on the day of the clinic.
• Anyone who is immunocompromised or has a bleeding disorder should let the nurse know before receiving the vaccine.
• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine, or is allergic to components of the vaccine.

If the child has any medical condition or allergy, takes medication, has anxiety, or has had a reaction to a previous vaccine, please provide details on the vaccine consent form.

Prepare for the Vaccine

• Eat breakfast and have an extra juice or small snack.
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
• Learn about the vaccines.
• Speak to the nurse if you are nervous. They can help you through the process.

What to Expect After Vaccination

• The most common reaction is redness, tenderness and swelling where the vaccine was given. This is usually mild and goes away on its own within a couple of days.
• Mild reaction such as tiredness, fever, loss of appetite or headache may last a day or two.
• Occasionally, people faint after medical procedures such as receiving a vaccine. Working to decrease anxiety and eating something before being immunized can help to decrease this. Fainting is not considered a side effect or a reaction to the vaccine.
• In rare cases, more serious effects can occur, such as breathing troubles, swelling of the face or mouth, a fever over 39°C, hives or rashes. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention. Report severe reactions to your healthcare provider and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.