Nearly one in four adolescents carry invasive meningococcal disease without symptoms

Vietnam has seen an increase in cases of IMD, especially among adolescents who have a high rate of bacterial carriers but display no symptoms. The vaccination suggestions made by the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine are for two high-risk groups for invasive meningococcal disease: children under five years old and adolescents.

IMD is uncommon but very serious. Without prompt treatment, the mortality rate can reach approximately 50 per cent, and in some cases, death may occur within 24 hours of symptom onset. Even with timely medical intervention, around 20 per cent of IMD survivors face serious long-term sequelae and possible permanent disability.

Pham Quang Thai, deputy head of the Department of Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said, "IMD remains a global public health burden. Survivors often suffer lifelong complications that significantly impact their quality of life, and also impact the wellbeing of family members who care for them. Based on the data from the Infectious Disease Surveillance Software according to Circular No.54/2015/TT-BYT, from July 2016 to September 2025, meningococcal disease is increasing significantly. From the beginning of the year to September 15, Vietnam recorded 38 cases of meningococcal infection, of which the north recorded an increase of 45 per cent and the south recorded an increase of 83 per cent cases compared to the year 2024."

Pham Quang Thai shares insights on meningococcal disease at the symposium

Around the world, the increase in cases of IMD, especially among adolescents, is also sounding the alarm. Kate, a healthy 16-year-old Canadian girl, nearly lost her life when she contracted IMD while working as a summer camp counsellor in Nova Scotia, Canada. She survived thanks to timely treatment, but had to stay in the hospital for a month, learned to walk from scratch, spent several months at home regaining her strength, and had a partial toe amputation due to complications.

Cao Huu Nghia, head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, said, "Children under five years old, especially those under six months and adolescents from 15 to 24 years old, are the two groups at the highest risk of disease. Adolescents, in particular, are at high risk of meningococcal disease with a carriage rate ranging from 25 per cent to 32 per cent. This group faces a dual risk: carrying the bacteria, transmitting it, and becoming infected. The potential consequence is an increase in cases and transmission to other age groups, which is why this group should be prioritised for disease prevention."

In Vietnam, the disease is endemic and has been recorded in many localities, often in winter and spring, especially in crowded areas such as schools, dormitories, kindergartens, military barracks, and among people who regularly smoke or visit discotheques.

The symposium on meningococcal disease takes place on the eve of World Meningitis Day in October every year. This year's message, Now is the Time for Action, continues to call for unity in the race to defeat meningitis (including meningococcal meningitis), emphasising the global cooperation needed to erase the disease by 2030.

Tran Dac Phu emphasised the importance of proactively vaccinating against meningococcal disease

Tran Dac Phu, vice chairman of the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, said, "To prevent meningococcal disease more comprehensively, it is necessary to fully vaccinate against the serogroups that commonly cause meningococcal disease. According to some studies, up to over 90 per cent of IMD cases in Vietnam are caused by serogroup B (MenB). Thus, active meningococcal prevention with vaccines for all ages, especially adolescents, is very necessary."

Pham Thi My Lien, chairwoman of GSK Vietnam, shared, “GSK firmly believes that prevention allows us to stay ahead of disease, which is why we continuously strive to expand coverage and enhance access to immunity. Every scientific breakthrough is a foundation for action today to protect a healthier tomorrow.”

GSK's strategy of sustainable healthcare In a new legal entity launch ceremony last week, GSK Vietnam signed MoUs with the Vietnam Medical Association, National Phytopharma JSC, and Vietnam Vaccine Company, aiming to deliver ambitious targets for a positive impact on the health of 30 million Vietnamese people by 2025.

Pertussis vaccine for pregnant women approved in Vietnam GSK Vietnam, together with Vietnam Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, recently organized a series of scientific seminars on the benefits of maternal immunization against pertussis with the participation of top industry experts and more than 1,000 health professionals nationally.

GSK Vietnam and EPLUS partner to increase access to new vaccines GSK Vietnam and EPLUS Research JSC sign an MoU for a strategic partnership on July 3 to bring new medicines and vaccines to Vietnam and help people access the world's innovative healthcare solutions.