Interior Health expands meningococcal disease clinics in the Okanagan after outbreak

An increasing number of cases of meningococcal disease in the Okanagan has led the Interior Health offering more immunization clinics.

The clinics are for individuals aged 15-19, as Interior Health has found that the numbers are increasing most in this age group.

Interior Health declared an outbreak after identifying 11 cases of the disease in 2017 with the majority coming in the Okanagan.

Typically, the health authority sees less than five cases per year.

“The risk to the general population is low,” said Dr. Karin Goodison, Medical Health Officer.

“However, with the increase in the number of cases and the fact that this disease can be prevented through immunization, we felt it important to raise the public’s awareness about this disease, and roll out a campaign to immunize those at the highest risk.”

Goodison added that immunization is the best form of defence against the disease and Interior Health is encouraging everyone who lives in the Okanagan to get immunized.

The vaccine has been a routine part of immunizations for grade nine B.C. students since 2016.

If you already received it as part of the grade nine immunization program over the last two years, you don’t need to be re-immunized.

“As a parent myself, I understand there may be concern and questions,” said Dr. Goodison.

“I would encourage parents to visit the Interior Health website to learn more about this disease, signs and symptoms, and to find out when a clinic will be available in their area.”

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that occurs rarely in Canada that is spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact.

It can also spread through saliva, which can occur through activities such as kissing or sharing of food, drinks, cigarettes, lipsticks, water bottles, mouth guards used for sports or mouthpieces of musical instruments.

To find an immunization clinic near you, visit Interior Health's website.