Infants, young children, and young adults face an elevated risk for contracting invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).
Invasive meningococcal disease is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening infection. Meningitis B is caused by a group of bacteria known as group B Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis B can cause an infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicemia, a serious infection of the bloodstream.
Early symptoms can be hard to distinguish because they can be similar to those of the flu. However, meningitis B can progress quickly, and symptoms may include, among others:
Young children and young adults face an elevated risk of contracting IMD. People of all ages can get meningitis, but the incidence rate of IMD (per 100,000 population) in Canada from 2012 to 2022 was higher in infants under 1 year of age, children under 5 years of age, and teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 24.
Even if you or your child received a meningitis vaccine, there may be missing coverage for meningitis B.
* Invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B strains.
For information about how GSK uses, shares, and protects personal information, including information collected online, please read GSK’s Privacy Statement.Please note: This site does not provide medical advice. The contents of this site are for information purposes only and are not in any way intended to replace or substitute the advice of your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information regarding your health. This digital channel is not intended as a means for reporting an adverse event (side effect) or complaint for any GlaxoSmithKline product. To report an adverse event or product complaint, please call 1-800-387-7374. This site is intended for use by Canadian residents only.
Vaccination may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated. Side effects and allergic reactions may occur. Ask your healthcare professional if vaccination is right for your child.Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.©2024 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
