Re: "Could a vaccine have prevented son's tragedy?" Aug. 3.
The article is correct: a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against the bacteria which affected Leo Chan is approved in Canada. It is called Meonomune or Men-P-ACW135Y.
A person can get the vaccine if he or she asks his doctor for it. Most of the cost of the vaccine is covered by some insurance plans, perhaps including the university health plan. The vaccine is recommended for people who do not have a functioning spleen, and for military recruits.
According to the seventh edition of the 91原创 Immunization Guide, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all 91原创 adolescents and young adults be immunized with meningococcal C conjugate vaccine. A province which vaccinates children against type C meningococcal disease is therefore in line with the NACI recommendation.
Robert Shepherd, MD
Victoria
