A new vaccine is available that protects against four strains of bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease; whereas, previous vaccines protected against only one.
A new vaccine, Menactra, is now available that protects against four strains of Neisseria meningitis, responsible for approximately 60% of invasive meningococcal infection. Meningococcal meningitis progresses very quickly and is fatal in approximately 10% of those who contract the infection. An additional 10% suffer severe complications including brain damage, hearing loss or amputation.
The current controversy in Nova Scotia is that the new meningitis vaccine is not yet publically funded. The vaccine costs about $150. It is likely that public pressure will encourage the government to fund the vaccine.
