Meningococcal group B disease remains a public health threat

Meningococcal disease is a serious acute infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, leading to meningitis and septicemia. The bacteria are classified into 12 different serogroups, with groups A, B, C, X, Y, and W being the most common and dangerous. These serogroups vary in distribution and prevalence depending on geography and time. The bacteria causing the disease often circulates silently in the form of asymptomatic infections and these people can pass it on to others who may then develop meningitis.

In Viet Nam, cases of meningococcal disease are on the rise. 

According to data from the infectious disease surveillance software (Circular 54/2015/TT-BYT), as of September 15, 2025, 38 cases were recorded nationwide, with a 45 percent increase in the North and an 83 percent increase in the South compared to the year 2024.

Vaccination – the effective preventive measure against meningococcal disease

At a scientific seminar titled "Journey towards a Viet Nam free from Meningococcal group B disease," held by the School of Preventive Medicine and Public, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh said that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination is one of the most effective measures to prevent several common types of bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal meningitis.

WHO aims to defeat meningitis by 2030 through a strategy focused on eliminating bacterial meningitis epidemics, decreasing cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis, lowering mortality rates, and reducing disability while improving quality of life after meningitis due to any cause.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh Tuan, Director of the Clinical Biomedical Testing and Scientific Services Center, Pasteur Institute HCMC, shared: "The advancement in vaccine technology paves the way for new possibilities in meningococcal disease prevention. The new approach focuses on identifying conserved antigens expressed across multiple strains of group B meningococcal bacteria to provide a broad protection."

In addition to advanced technology, vaccine safety remains a top priority. The common side effects of routine vaccines may include pain, redness at the injection site, or fever. 

Although these post-vaccination reactions are typically mild for most vaccines, early recognition of abnormal signs and thorough pre- and post-vaccination counseling are crucial to ensure vaccination safety and build trust in the meningococcal immunization program. 

Given the severity of the meningococcal disease and the importance of prevention, healthcare experts are calling on parents, schools, and media to join hands in spreading awareness and encouraging timely and appropriate vaccination./.