Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a potentially fatal disease usually presenting as an acute febrile illness with rapid onset and features of meningitis or septicemia (meningococcemia), or both, and a characteristic non-blanching rash.

Nimenrix^™ is a newly licensed quadrivalent (serogroups A, C, Y and W-135) meningococcal vaccine conjugated to the tetanus toxoid (TT).

This Statement provides information regarding the immunogenicity, safety and recommended use of Nimenrix^™, and provides updated immunogenicity and safety information about Menactra^® (Men-C-ACYW-DT) with respect to its expanded age indication.

For routine vaccination in adolescents, either monovalent meningococcal C conjugate or quadrivalent conjugate meningococcal vaccines can be used depending on local epidemiology and other programmatic considerations. If using a quadrivalent product, any of the three available products can be chosen.

For high risk individuals 2 years of age and older or for travellers 2 years and older going to areas where the meningococcal vaccine is recommended, any of the available quadrivalent products can be used.

For high risk children 2 months to less than 2 years of age or travellers 2 months to less than 2 years of age who are going to areas where the meningococcal vaccine is recommended, Menveo^™ (Men-C-ACYW-CRM) is the recommended product.

Schedules are provided in the Meningococcal Chapter of the Canadian Immunization Guide (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p04-meni-eng.php).

Nimenrix^™ is authorized for use for immunization of individuals from 12 months to 55 years of age, but can be used for those ≥ 56 years of age if indicated. It should not be administered to subjects with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine.

Nimenrix^™ may be administered alone or concomitantly with other routinely administered vaccines in Canada. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends periodic boosters for individuals at high risk for meningococcal disease or who have ongoing increased risk of exposure. Additional information is provided in the Meningococcal Chapter of the Canadian Immunization Guide. (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p04-meni-eng.php).

Nimenrix^™ has a safety profile similar to other monovalent and quadrivalent conjugated meningococcal vaccines that are authorized for use in Canada.

IMD mortality is approximately 10%. Of IMD survivors, up to a third may experience long term sequelae.

Approximately one-third of all IMD is associated with Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W-135; immunization against vaccine preventable IMD serogroups is important, particularly for those at higher risk for infection.