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WHEREAS Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord that can lead to severe complications, including brain damage and death. The risk of spreading meningitis increases during adolescence and the disease progresses quickly; with serious risks occurring even when there is early detection and treatment;

AND WHEREAS eight provinces and territories in Canada have implemented public meningococcal conjugate immunization programs (MCV4) offering protection against four serotypes (A, C, W-135, and Y); however, British Columbia does not have an MCV4 program:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial Ministry of Health to implement a province-wide MCV4 immunization program in all secondary schools by April 24, 2014, World Meningitis Day.

Additional Information

UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the Ministry of Health implement a province wide meningitis vaccination program in all secondary schools by April 2014.