Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to death in as little as 24 hours.
From August 5 to 7, Pfizer Vietnam, in partnership with the Tam Anh Research Institute (TAMRI), hosted the scientific seminar series "Optimizing Prevention of Invasive Meningococcal Disease: From Clinical Evidence to Real-World Data". The events, held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, drew more than 800 physicians specializing in preventive medicine and clinical care.
A Rare Disease with High Fatality Rates
Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which is classified into 12 serogroups, with A, B, C, W, and Y responsible for 96% of global cases. The two most common forms — septicemia and meningitis — can cause severe complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, and limb amputation.
Globally, IMD affects more than 1.2 million people annually and causes an estimated 135,000 deaths. Even with prompt treatment, mortality rates remain between 5–10%, and over 10% of survivors suffer long-term complications. Without treatment, the death rate can exceed 50%.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of Biomedical Science Department, Pasteur Institute in HCMC
In Vietnam, data from the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology show an incidence rate of 2.3 cases per 100,000 people between 1991 and 2000, ranking sixth among the ten infectious diseases with the highest mortality (0.03 per 100,000). Outbreaks are more common during autumn, winter, and spring, especially in mountainous and border regions.
Experts Call for Proactive Prevention
IMD can affect people of all ages but is most prevalent among children under one year, adolescents aged 14–23, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Risk increases in crowded environments such as daycare centers, schools, dormitories, and military barracks. Carriers without symptoms — estimated to account for over 50% of healthy individuals during outbreaks — play a major role in transmission through respiratory droplets.
"Vaccination should be prioritized for high-risk groups such as young children, teenagers, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Huu Nghia, Head of the Biomedical Science Department at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City. "It is especially important for those in communal environments like schools, dormitories, or military barracks."
Dr. Bulent Nuri Taysi, Senior Director of Vaccines and Antivirals in Emerging Asia for Pfizer's Medical Division
Dr. Bulent Nuri Taysi, Senior Director of Vaccines and Antivirals in Emerging Asia for Pfizer, noted that quadrivalent conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) have shown strong results in real-world studies. "They not only protect against multiple serogroups but also reduce bacterial carriage and transmission in the community," he said.
Dr. Nguyen An Nghia, Deputy Head of the Infectious Diseases and Neurology Department at Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, added: "We have seen cases in which children appeared healthy in the morning and were critically ill by evening. This is why parents and healthcare providers must act swiftly at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, rash, or neck stiffness."
Beyond Vaccination
While vaccination is the primary preventive measure, experts recommend combining it with good hygiene practices, mask-wearing in crowded or high-risk settings, regular handwashing, and ensuring well-ventilated living spaces. Prompt medical attention is essential for anyone showing early symptoms.
Mr. Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam
Mr. Darrell Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam, said the seminar reflects Pfizer’s mission to advance disease prevention and treatment. "By bringing together leading experts and sharing up-to-date medical knowledge, we aim to strengthen healthcare professionals’ capabilities and deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives."
