Canada Launches Meningitis B Vaccination Drive

Canada has recorded a rise in invasive meningococcal disease, with provinces such as Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Manitoba expanding vaccination measures for students and young adults. Meningitis B is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, and it is one of the main causes of invasive meningococcal disease in Canada.

Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Canada

Invasive meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and bloodstream infection. Canada reported at least 155 cases in 2025, the highest annual total since 2012, after 48 cases in 2021. Preliminary data for early 2026 shows at least 63 cases. Manitoba recorded 12 confirmed infections in 2023, 25 in 2024 and 24 in 2025. The province also reported two cases in early 2026, and most of these cases were linked to the W strain.

Provincial Vaccination Measures

Prince Edward Island began urging Grade 12 students to receive free Meningitis B vaccines on 29 May 2026. Nurses visited schools in the province, and around 850 Grade 12 students received the vaccine over the previous few weeks. Nova Scotia started offering free Meningitis B vaccines in 2023 to new post-secondary students aged 25 and under who live in dormitories or residence halls, as well as to new military recruits. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are the only provinces that currently offer free Meningitis B vaccination for post-secondary students.

Vaccination Coverage and Risk Groups

Students entering military training or post-secondary education often live in shared accommodation, which is a recognised setting for meningococcal transmission. Meningitis B vaccine is not part of routine immunisation programmes in most of Canada, and two doses can cost $300 or more. Coverage for the Meningococcal C vaccine fell from over 90% of children up to age two in 2019 to less than 84% by 2024. Meningitis B accounts for about one-third to two-thirds of invasive meningococcal disease cases in Canada, depending on the region.

Important Facts for Exams

• Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium that causes meningococcal disease, including meningitis and septicaemia.
• Invasive meningococcal disease can spread in close-contact settings such as dormitories, barracks and shared housing.
• Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are the only Canadian provinces offering free Meningitis B vaccination for post-secondary students.
• The Meningococcal C vaccine is part of routine immunisation schedules in many countries, but coverage levels can vary by age group and province.