Meningitis B

Meningitis B (Men B) is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. Anyone can get Meningitis B, but students are at a higher risk of getting infected because they are more likely to live in a group setting (like in residence or an apartment) and to be in close contact with others through social activities.

Meningitis B is spread through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth, through kissing, coughing, sharing food, drinking glasses, water bottles, lipstick, sneezing, sharing utensils, cigarettes, vaping items, etc.

What are common symptoms of Meningitis B?

MenB symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Change in the level of alertness (like confusion).
• Stiff neck.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Eyes being more sensitive to light.
• Skin rash that spreads rapidly and begins as reddish or purplish spots that do not 
  disappear when pressed.
• Learn more about Meningitis B disease, symptoms and treatment on the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

How to get the Men B vaccine

For students from Nova Scotia, aged 25 and younger, living in residence:
For students aged 25 and younger who are a permanent Nova Scotia resident (with an MSI card), the Meningitis B vaccination is available to you at no cost through the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) vaccination program. Book your appointment directly through the PANS website.

For students who do not meet the above criteria, but are enrolled in the SMUSA Extended  Health and Dental or the SMUSA International Basic Health Plan:
For students who do not qualify for the provincially funded vaccine but are enrolled in the SMUSA Extended Health and Dental or the SMUSA International Basic Health Plan, book an appointment at the Student Health Clinic to receive a prescription for the Meningitis B vaccine.

The prescription can be sent to Direct2U Pharmacy (North End Pharmacy) on the students’ behalf and the Men B vaccine is covered at 80% if ordered through Direct2U. The pharmacy will deliver the students’ vaccine to the clinic, and the Student Health Clinic will contact the student to book an appointment for the administration of each dose. 

Ordering the vaccine at any other pharmacy will only provide 50% coverage through the SMUSA Extended Health and Dental plan. Students enrolled on the SMUSA International Basic Health plan also have 100% coverage, up to $100 to help cover the vaccine cost.

For students who have private health insurance OR want to pay personally:
For those with private insurance, we suggest contacting your health insurance provider to see if you are covered for the cost of the vaccine. Book an appointment at the Student Health Clinic to receive a prescription for the Meningitis B vaccine. The clinic will send the prescription to your pharmacy of choice*. The pharmacy will send the vaccine to the Student Health Clinic, and an appointment will be booked for the administration of each dose, or you can choose to get vaccinated at your pharmacy of choice.

*All students are eligible to use the Direct2U (North End Pharmacy) even if they have opted out of the SMUSA Extended Health and Dental plan. Students with private coverage can take advantage of the lower dispensing fees and the delivery option, but the vaccine would be covered according to their private benefit maximum.

For more information:

If you have any questions, or to make an appointment with the SMU Student Health Clinic, use the Pomelo app or call (902) 420-5611. Please note you must be registered with the Student  Health Clinic prior to booking an appointment. For questions about your coverage, reach out to healthplan.smusa@smu.ca.

Saint Mary's Student Health Clinic
student.health@smu.ca 
Fourth Floor, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (403 SC)
902-420-5611

SMUSA Health Plan Office
healthplan.smusa@smu.ca 
Fifth Floor, O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre (522 SC)902-496-8754