In Hong Kong, meningitis vaccination is available but not part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recommends meningococcal vaccines mainly for high‑risk groups such as travellers to outbreak regions, students studying abroad, and individuals with weakened immunity. Both MenACWY (covering serogroups A, C, W, Y) and MenB vaccines are accessible through private clinics.

Types of Meningitis Vaccines in Hong Kong

MenACWY (Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine)

• Covers four major serogroups: A, C, W, Y.
• Brand available: Nimenrix (Pfizer).

Schedule:

• • Infants (6 weeks–12 months): 2 or 3 doses depending on age.
  • Children ≥1 year: single dose.

MenB (Serogroup B Vaccine)

• Covers the most common serogroup in Hong Kong (about 50% of cases in recent years).
• Brands: Bexsero (GSK) and Trumenba (Pfizer).

Schedule:

• • Infants (2–23 months): 3 doses.
  • Children ≥2 years and adults: 2 doses.

     

Local Epidemiology

• 2005–2025: 94 invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases reported in Hong Kong.
• Serogroup B dominates (≈50%), followed by sporadic ACWY cases.
• Case fatality rate: ~13%, potentially exceeding 50% in untreated cases.
• Most cases are sporadic, but small clusters have occurred (e.g., construction site workers in 2025).

Recommendations in Hong Kong

• Universal vaccination is not recommended due to low incidence.

Targeted vaccination advised for:

• Travelers to high‑risk regions (sub‑Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia for Hajj/Umrah, outbreak zones like the UK).
• Students studying abroad, especially in Europe and in the UK where outbreaks of meningitis B have occurred.
• Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, complement deficiencies, asplenia).
• Laboratory and healthcare workers with risk of exposure.

Risks and Side Effects

• Common side effects: injection site pain, redness, mild fever, fatigue.
• Rare risk: severe allergic reaction
• Protective antibody response usually develops within 14 days of vaccination.