Meningitis is a serious illness that can spread quickly and cause life-threatening problems like brain swelling (meningitis) or blood infections (sepsis). Thankfully, vaccines like Nimenrix help protect us. In this blog post, you’ll learn what Nimenrix is, who needs it, why U.S. colleges ask for it, and where you can get it in British Columbia (BC), Canada.
🧬 What Is Nimenrix?
Nimenrix, also called MenACWY-TT, is a vaccine made by Pfizer. It protects against four types (called serogroups) of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria: A, C, W-135, and Y. These bacteria can cause invasive meningococcal disease—a serious and sometimes deadly infection.
🌍 Where Is It Approved?
✅ Approved in Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and over 60 countries.
❌ Not licensed in the United States. Instead, the U.S. uses other vaccines like Menactra, Menveo, or MenQuadfi.
💉 Who Can Get the Vaccine?
Nimenrix is approved for people:
From 6 weeks old to 55 years of age
In some places, doctors may use it even for people over 55 if needed
📅 Doses and Schedule
| Age Group | Doses Needed |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks to 6 months | 2 doses, 2 months apart, and a booster at 12 months |
| 6 months and older | 1 dose (a second may be given later if high risk) |
The vaccine is given as a 0.5 mL injection in the arm.
🧪 How Long Does Protection Last?
Creates strong antibodies against all four serogroups.
Antibodies can last up to 10 years.
Boosters work well even years later.
💉 Can Nimenrix Be Given With Other Vaccines?
Yes! It works well alongside many other vaccines:
For babies: DTaP, hepatitis B, Hib, pneumococcal
For older kids and teens: Hep A & B, HPV, MMR, flu shot
⚠️ Is Nimenrix Safe?
Yes, it’s generally safe, but like all vaccines, some mild side effects can happen:
Redness or soreness at the injection site
Fever, sleepiness, or irritability
Headache, nausea, or vomiting
Rare side effects include fainting in teens or mild nerve symptoms. It should not be used in people allergic to any of its ingredients.
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it protects against | A, C, W-135, Y types of meningitis |
| Who can get it | 6 weeks to 55 years (older with doctor’s OK) |
| How it’s given | Injection in the arm |
| How many doses | 1 or more depending on age and health |
| Side effects | Usually mild; rare fainting in teens |
| Countries approved | Canada, EU, Australia, etc. (Not USA) |
🎯 Who Gets It for Free in British Columbia (BC)?
In BC, some people can get Nimenrix or other MenACWY vaccines for free:
1. Grade 9 Students
All students in Grade 9 get a free MenACWY shot at school.
2. High-Risk Groups
People with certain health problems or in outbreak areas may qualify:
No spleen or weak spleen
Immune system problems
Organ or stem cell transplant
Close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease
🧾 How to Get the Vaccine in BC
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re eligible |
| 2 | Grade 9 students get it at school |
| 3 | High-risk individuals can get it from public health units |
| 4 | Pharmacists can bill BC PharmaCare for eligible patients |
💡 Nimenrix Billing Code in BC: PIN 66128152
🎓 Why Do U.S. Colleges Still Ask for This Vaccine?
Many students in BC get a MenACWY vaccine in Grade 9. But U.S. colleges want another dose at age 16 or older. Here’s why:
1. U.S. Follows CDC Guidelines
The CDC says:
1st dose at age 11–12
Booster at 16 years old
2. U.S. Wants a Recent Dose
Most colleges want proof that the student got the MenACWY vaccine after turning 16.
3. BC Gives It Earlier
BC’s Grade 9 vaccine is often given before the child turns 16. So, U.S. schools might not accept it.
4. Unclear Records
If the vaccine record doesn’t show the brand or exact date clearly, U.S. colleges may require a new shot.
💡 Quick Tips for Students Going to U.S. Colleges
Check school requirements early in the application process.
If you got Nimenrix, Menactra, or Menveo at age 16 or later—get a certificate!
If not, get a booster shot from a pharmacy or travel clinic.
Use the BC Health Gateway to get your vaccine record.
❓ Common U.S. College Vaccine Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is MenB vaccine enough? | ❌ No. U.S. colleges want MenACWY, not MenB alone |
| Are blood tests (titers) accepted? | Usually not |
| Got a dose before 16—need another? | ✅ Yes, a booster is required |
| How recent must the vaccine be? | Within 5 years and after age 16 |
🔮 Looking Ahead: What’s New?
New combo vaccines like Penbraya and Penmenvy are now approved in the U.S. to cover even more types, including B.
Still, age and timing will always be key for college vaccine requirements.
📍 Where to Get It in BC – CityMed Pharmacy
CityMed Pharmacy – White Rock
📍 4-1493 Foster St, White Rock, BC V4B 0C4
🕘 Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–6:30 PM
📞 +1 (604) 385-1490 | 📧 rx@citymedhealth.ca
🚚 Free same-day delivery before 4 PM (weekdays)
CityMed Pharmacy – Surrey
📍 #107, 14818 60 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 0B5
🕘 Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–6:30 PM
📞 +1 (604) 593-8866 | 📧 pharmacy@citymedhealth.ca
✅ Final Checklist
Grade 9 student? → Covered!
High-risk? → Covered!
Going to U.S. college? → Likely need a booster after age 16
Not sure? → Ask your doctor or pharmacist
📩 Need help checking your eligibility or preparing for college vaccination? Let us know—we can guide you every step of the way. We also offer immunization summaries and letters for school.