Nimenrix is a vaccine that protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: groups A, C, W-135, and Y.
NIMENRIX is listed under Health Canada DIN 02402904. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
NIMENRIX
DIN
02402904
Vaccine
Meningococcal A, C, W-135, Y polysaccharide conjugate
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · intramuscular · 6 weeks and older
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
Nimenrix is a vaccine that protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria: groups A, C, W-135, and Y.
These bacteria can cause meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain) and blood poisoning, which can be serious and sometimes life-threatening.
Nimenrix can be given from 6 weeks of age up to 55 years of age.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has ever had an allergic reaction to Nimenrix or any of its ingredients.
Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has a bleeding problem or bruises easily.
Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has a weak immune system, such as from HIV infection or medicines that suppress the immune system.
Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has ever fainted after getting a needle.
Tell your healthcare professional about any other vaccines you or your child has recently received.
How it is given
A healthcare professional will give this vaccine as a shot into a muscle, in the thigh for infants or the thigh or upper arm for children, teens, and adults.
Your healthcare professional will mix the powder and liquid together right before giving the injection.
Important things to know
Severe allergic reactions are rare but can happen with any vaccine.
Large swelling of the injected arm or leg, sometimes with redness, has been reported after this vaccine.
If you or your child has a weakened immune system, protection from this vaccine may be less complete.
Effects you may notice
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Loss of appetite.
Fussiness or irritability.
Sleepiness or drowsiness.
Headache.
Mild fever.
Feeling tired.
Upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Bruising at the injection site.
A mild rash, especially in infants.
When to contact a healthcare professional
If you or your child does not feel well after the shot.
If numbness, tingling, or unusual skin sensations occur.
If a fever is high or lasts more than a couple of days.
If any side effect feels severe or does not go away.
When to get emergency help
Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, or hives spreading quickly after the shot.
Very large swelling of the arm or leg where the shot was given.
A seizure.
Fainting or sudden loss of consciousness.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vaccines, vitamins, and supplements you or your child is taking.
Nimenrix may not work as well if you or your child is taking medicine that weakens the immune system.
Food and alcohol have no known effect on this vaccine, since it is given by injection rather than swallowed.
Key points to remember
This vaccine only protects against groups A, C, W-135, and Y meningococcal bacteria, not all causes of meningitis.
Even though Nimenrix contains a tetanus-related ingredient, it does not replace your regular tetanus vaccinations.
Tell your healthcare professional about any side effect, even ones not listed here.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Meningococcal ACYW — toddler dose at 12 to 23 months
1 dose
One dose of quadrivalent (Men-C-ACYW) conjugate vaccine at 12 to 23 months.
NACI (May 2026): all children 12 to 23 months of age should receive one dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (Men-C-ACYW) vaccine, replacing the Men-C-C toddler dose. A child who already had Men-C-C at 12 to 23 months is not revaccinated. MENQUADFI is authorized from 12 months, NIMENRIX from 6 weeks, MENVEO from 2 months.
Meningococcal ACYW — routine adolescent or adult, one dose
1 dose
One dose of Men-C-ACYW conjugate vaccine, routinely given at about 12 years of age.
Routine single adolescent dose regardless of infant or toddler history; also for adults with travel, occupational or outbreak indications.
Meningococcal ACYW — high-risk conditions, two doses
2 doses
Two doses 8 weeks apart for asplenia, complement deficiency, HIV and other high-risk conditions.
For people 12 months and older with no spleen or a spleen that does not work, complement or properdin deficiency (including eculizumab or ravulizumab treatment), HIV, or other high-risk conditions. Two doses at least 8 weeks apart (4 weeks if accelerated). A booster every 5 years while risk continues (every 3 years if first immunized under 7 years of age).
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.