VNVC reported that the number of meningococcal vaccine doses administered over the four days increased by about three times compared to the previous period. Specifically, nearly 80 centers in Ho Chi Minh City recorded close to 15,000 doses, a 125-fold increase over the same period.

This surge in vaccination demand comes as the southern region recorded 4 cases at Hai Ba Trung Secondary School in Ho Chi Minh City, including one fatality due to septic shock and rapid multi-organ failure. Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City reported that in the 10 months of this year, the southern region recorded 42 meningococcal cases, with 7 deaths. Ho Chi Minh City accounted for over 57% of cases; the 11-15 age group had the highest rate at 28,6%.

Many families brought their children and grandchildren to VNVC centers for meningococcal vaccination. *Hai Linh*

The recent cases prompted many families to seek vaccination. At VNVC Dong Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Minh, 42, brought her two children, in grades 5 and 9, to receive meningococcal group B and ACYW vaccines after learning of a student's death from the disease. The school had also informed parents to monitor their children's health and proactively prevent the illness.

"Before coming, I was concerned about vaccine shortages. Despite the crowd, we received thorough consultation from doctors and full vaccination. My children are at school all day, so I wanted them to get vaccinated early", Minh said.

In Hanoi, Thanh Trung brought his two children for meningococcal group B and ACYW vaccines, and also got vaccinated himself. Trung stated that his family wanted to review the vaccination schedules of all members, especially with children attending school and adults having frequent external contact. He plans to take his parents, 70 and 75, for further consultation, as both are being treated for hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis.

VNVC vaccination centers nationwide welcomed many families of 5-7 people, including young children, adolescents, and the elderly, for meningococcal vaccination on 17/10. *Hai Linh*

"My parents mainly stay at home but can still have indirect contact through their children and grandchildren. I want the whole family to receive full consultation, not just the two children", he said.

In response to the surge in demand for meningococcal vaccines, a VNVC representative stated that the system promptly coordinated vaccine supplies, increased staff, provided services through lunch breaks to reduce waiting times, and strictly maintained safe vaccination procedures. Additionally, VNVC committed to stabilizing prices, not increasing them despite high demand, and continuing to implement preferential programs to support families in difficult circumstances with costs.

Doctor of First Degree Specialist Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of the VNVC Vaccination System, stated that vaccines are currently available to prevent common meningococcal serogroups including A, B, C, Y, and W. Specifically, the new generation group B vaccine is administered from 2 months to 50 years of age, the new generation ACYW vaccines are for those 6 weeks of age and older, and adults, while the group B and C (BC) vaccine is for children from 6 months to 45 years of age.

An 8,5-month-old pediatric patient with fulminant meningococcal septicemia, who required amputation of both legs and disarticulation of some fingers, received intensive care treatment at Nhi Dong 1 Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. *Doctor provided*

Meningococcal vaccines offer different scopes of protection, so full vaccination is necessary to be protected against the 5 serogroups that can cause severe illness. Group B and ACYW vaccines can be administered during the same visit at two different sites.

When a case appears in a school or community, close contacts should be assessed by health authorities for prophylactic antibiotic prescription if needed and health monitoring. Besides vaccination, people should practice personal hygiene, frequently wash hands with soap, keep homes well-ventilated, and seek medical attention if any unusual symptoms arise.

Gia Nghi