From August 5 to 7, 2025, Pfizer Vietnam Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Tam Anh Research Institute (TAMRI), organized a scientific seminar series “Optimizing Prevention of Invasive Meningococcal Disease: From Clinical Evidence to Real-World Data” held in HCMC and Hanoi. The program aimed to update medical knowledge and enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in preventing invasive meningococcal disease – an acute infectious condition transmitted via the respiratory tract that can lead to death within 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated in time.  From August 5 to 7, 2025, Pfizer Vietnam Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Tam Anh Research Institute (TAMRI), organized a scientific seminar series “Optimizing Prevention of Invasive Meningococcal Disease: From Clinical Evidence to Real-World Data” held in HCMC and Hanoi. The program aimed to update medical knowledge and enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in preventing invasive meningococcal disease – an acute infectious condition transmitted via the respiratory tract that can lead to death within 24 hours if not diagnosed and treated in time.  
 

The seminar featured the participation of Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, VNVC Medical Director; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of Biomedical Science Department, Pasteur Institute in HCMC; Dr. Nguyen An Nghia, Deputy Head of the Infectious Diseases and Neurology Department, Children’s Hospital 1 in HCMC; and Dr. Bulent Nuri Taysi, Senior Director of Vaccines and Antivirals in Emerging Asia for Pfizer's Medical Division. In addition, the seminar attracted more than 800 physicians working in preventive medicine and clinical care across Vietnam.  

At the event, experts shared a comprehensive perspective on the epidemiological situation and disease burden of invasive meningococcal diseases in Vietnam, strategies to optimize early prevention, as well as real-world data on the effectiveness of meningococcal vaccines in preventing the dangerous diseases.

Invasive meningococcal disease: Rare but dangerous
Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis 1. This bacterium is classified into 12 different serogroups, among which serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y are the most common and dangerous, responsible for 96% of invasive meningococcal disease cases worldwide 7. The meningococcal bacteria are diverse, vary in distribution, and can change depending on age, time, and geographic region 7. The two most frequently observed forms of the disease are septicemia and meningitis 1. Although relatively rare, invasive meningococcal infections can progress rapidly and may lead to death within just 24 hours after the onset of symptoms 2.  

According to experts, invasive meningococcal disease can occur at any age 3 but is most common in children under one year of age 4, adolescents aged 14 to 23 3 4, the elderly 4, and individuals with weakened immune systems 3. Notably, the risk is also higher among those living in crowded communal environments such as daycare centers, schools, dormitories, and military barracks 3, or among travelers to regions experiencing high case numbers 4.   

As an acute bacterial infection, invasive meningococcal disease can cause both septicemia and serious brain damage 3. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate can exceed 50% 5. Among survivors, more than 10% suffer from long-term complications 5 such as hearing loss 5, cognitive impairment 5, seizures 5, or limb amputation due to tissue necrosis 3. Even when diagnosed early and treated properly, 5 - 10% of patients may still die – often within just 24 - 48 hours after symptoms appear 5.    

Invasive meningococcal disease is present across the globe 6. Cases are generally sporadic but can escalate into outbreaks under favorable conditions 6. During an outbreak, approximately 25% of those infected may show no typical symptoms, and over 50% of healthy individuals may carry the meningococcal bacteria unknowingly 6. These asymptomatic carriers are important sources of transmission within the community. The disease spreads via respiratory droplets, mainly through inhalation of nasal, throat, or mouth secretions from infected individuals or healthy carriers 3. 
Globally, over 1.2 million cases of invasive meningococcal disease are reported annually 7, with an estimated 135,000 deaths 7. Most cases occur in otherwise healthy individuals 7. Mortality rates vary significantly between industrialized and underdeveloped countries 7. 

In Vietnam, according to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the incidence of the disease between 1991 and 2000 was 2.3 cases per 100,000 people 7. It ranked sixth among the ten infectious diseases with the highest mortality rate (0.03 per 100,000) 7. While invasive meningococcal disease can appear year-round, outbreaks are more likely to occur during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons – particularly in mountainous and border regions 7. Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable age groups and also exhibit the highest rates of asymptomatic bacterial carriage 7.  
Proactive prevention to reduce disease burden

Experts at the seminar emphasized that due to the severity of the disease, its potential for rapid fatality, and its long-term complications, early and proactive prevention is essential. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of Biomedical Science Department, Pasteur Institute in HCMC, shared: “According to the meningitidis disease prevention guidelines from the Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine, to prevent meningitidis disease, it is necessary to proactively get vaccinated early, with priority given to high-risk groups such as children (especially those under 1 year old), adolescents, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions, particularly those living or working in crowded places such as schools, universities, nursing homes, military camps, etc.”  
Dr. Bulent Nuri Taysi, Senior Director of Vaccines and Antivirals in Emerging Asia for Pfizer's Medical Division, shared: “Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine in protecting public health by effectively preventing diseases, disabilities, and deaths – and meningococcal vaccines are no exception. Real-world data from different countries have shown that the use of meningococcal vaccines, including quadrivalent conjugate vaccines (MenACWY), to be highly effective in reducing disease incidence, bacterial carriage, and transmission in the community. Therefore, timely and complete vaccination based on scientific recommendations is one of the most effective solutions to protect both individuals and communities from this serious disease 7,8.”

In addition to vaccination – the leading strategy for preventing meningococcal disease –experts at the seminar recommended combining other preventive measures to enhance protection. In cases of contact with infected individuals, the management should be followed with physician’s recommendations. It is also important to wear a mask when in close contact with people showing respiratory symptoms, maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, rinse the mouth, and clean the nasal and throat areas. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and ensuring well-ventilated living spaces also help boost immunity. If any symptoms appear, individuals should seek immediate medical attention for timely diagnosis and treatment 3.

Mr. Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam, stated: “Pfizer Vietnam has long been a companion to patients and communities in tackling challenges related to disease prevention and treatment. This scientific seminar series on invasive meningococcal disease, with the participation of leading experts, demonstrates Pfizer’s commitment to sharing up-to-date medical knowledge and supporting healthcare professionals. With strong belief, we will continue our mission to deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.”

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease. Updated February 2024. Accessed July 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html 
2. Thompson MJ, Ninis N, Perera R, et al. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. Lancet. 2006;367(9508):397-403. Accessed July 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16458763/
3. HCMC Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDC). Meningococcal disease: Facts you should know. Updated September 2024. Access July 2025. https://hcdc.vn/infographic-nhung-dieu-can-biet-ve-benh-do-nao-mo-cau-VXPFEn.html     
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors for Meningococcal disease. Updated February 2024. Accessed July 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/risk-factors/index.html
5. World Health Organization. Meningitis. Accessed July 2025. https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/meningitis/meningitis.html
6. National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). Accessed July 2025. http://yteduphong.com.vn/tieng-viet/tin-tuc/tin-tuc-su-kien/benh-viem-mang-nao-do-nao-mo-cau-c3454i17484.htm
7. Vaccine 2022 Jan 28;40(4):666-672. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.075. Epub 2022 Jan 4.
Invasive meningococcal disease in Chile seven years after ACWY conjugate vaccine introduction
R Villena 1, M T Valenzuela 2, M Bastías 3, M E Santolaya 4
8. Clin Infect Dis 2022 Jul 6;74(12):2173-2180.  doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab791.
Vaccine Impact and Effectiveness of Meningococcal Serogroup ACWY Conjugate Vaccine Implementation in the Netherlands: A Nationwide Surveillance Study
Milou Ohm 1, Susan J M Hahné 1, Arie van der Ende 2, Elisabeth A M Sanders 1, Guy A M Berbers 1, Wilhelmina L M Ruijs 1, Nina M van Sorge 2, Hester E de Melker 1, Mirjam J Knol 1
 

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The information contained in this release is as of August 5, 2025. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

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