Vaccine

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal vaccine

Meningococcal vaccination is particularly important for people traveling to countries or regions where meningococcal disease is prevalent, such as those traveling to the Middle East for work or religious pilgrimages. Vaccination may be required for certain travelers. If you are wondering whether you need the vaccine, where you can get vaccinated, or how much it costs, read on to find out.

What You Should Know About the Meningococcal Vaccine

What Is the Meningococcal Vaccine

What Is the Meningococcal Vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal disease. The bacterium can be found in the throat of healthy people.

Meningococcal disease can spread through respiratory droplets from nasal or oral secretions, as well as through close contact with infected respiratory secretions. However, most people who are exposed to the bacteria do not develop symptoms.

Some may carry the bacteria without becoming ill, and only a small proportion of infected people develop symptoms. Outbreaks can occur periodically in certain areas.

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and septicemia, both of which can be severe and potentially fatal. Without prompt treatment, death can occur within 24–48 hours.

The main types of meningococcal bacteria that commonly cause severe disease include serogroups A, C, W, and Y, as well as serogroup B (MenB).

Is the Meningococcal Vaccine Necessary?

People living in Thailand who do not plan to travel to areas where meningococcal disease is prevalent may not need this vaccine. However, the Ministry of Public Health recommends vaccination for people in high-risk groups.

Is the Meningococcal Vaccine Necessary

There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in Thailand:

  1. Meningococcal vaccine against serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) – a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine.
  2. Meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (MenB) – a recombinant vaccine targeting serogroup B, which is found in Thailand.
Intouch Medicare offers meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination.

How Many Doses of the Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Are Needed?

The recommended number of doses of the meningococcal group B vaccine varies depending on the indication and risk group:

  • 3-dose schedule (months 0, 1–2, and 6): Recommended for people with immunodeficiency, people who have had their spleen removed or have impaired splenic function, people receiving certain immunosuppressive medications, laboratory personnel who may have direct exposure to the bacteria, and people traveling to areas where serogroup B meningococcal disease is prevalent.
  • 2-dose schedule (1–6 months apart): Recommended for students studying abroad when vaccination is required by the destination or educational institution.

Booster doses: For people in all risk groups who remain at risk of infection, one booster dose should be given 1 year after completing the primary vaccination series, followed by additional booster doses every 2–3 years.

Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Price

  • 1-dose package: THB 4,290
  • 2-dose package: THB 7,900
  • 3-dose package: THB 11,900
  • Note: All prices include medical service fees.
Meningococcal Vaccine price
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Who Should Get the Meningococcal Vaccine?

  1. Young children, especially those aged 2 months to 2 years, who are at the highest risk because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
  2. Students who live or study in large group settings, including students planning to study abroad in countries such as the United States, European countries, or Australia, particularly those who will live in dormitories.
  3. Travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is prevalent, including people who live in or travel to regions where the disease is endemic or where outbreaks caused by vaccine-preventable serogroups occur, such as the African meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa.
  4. People traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. Meningococcal vaccination is required for entry into Saudi Arabia. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival and within the previous 5 years, and travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate.
  5. Healthcare personnel and laboratory workers who may be exposed to Neisseria meningitidis.
  6. People who have had their spleen removed or have impaired immune function, including those with deficiencies of properdin, factor H, or factor D, and those receiving complement inhibitors such as eculizumab.

For all groups receiving the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine, if the risk of infection persists, a booster dose is recommended 1 year after completion of the primary vaccination series, followed by additional booster doses every 2–3 years.

When Should You Get the Meningococcal Vaccine?

The meningococcal vaccine should be given when there is a risk of infection, such as before traveling abroad, staying in an area where meningococcal disease is prevalent, having certain underlying health conditions, or being at risk of exposure to the bacteria. Vaccination should always be planned in advance, before the period of potential exposure.

Meningococcal Vaccine Side Effects

Meningococcal vaccines are inactivated vaccines and are generally safe. Side effects are usually mild and may include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fatigue after vaccination. You should consult a doctor for advice and to determine which type of meningococcal vaccine is appropriate before getting vaccinated.

Where Can You Get the Meningococcal Vaccine

Where Can You Get the Meningococcal Vaccine?

You can get the meningococcal vaccine at healthcare facilities and private clinics near you. We recommend Intouch Medicare Clinic, which provides meningococcal vaccination for both adults and children. Our medical team is available to provide care, and you can either walk in or make an appointment in advance. We offer fast service with minimal waiting time and have multiple branches throughout Bangkok, conveniently located near BTS and MRT stations.

We also offer a wide range of vaccines suitable for working professionals, students, and people who need vaccinations before traveling abroad. This makes it convenient to plan and receive all the vaccines you need, including the meningococcal vaccine, in one place.

Meningococcal Vaccine FAQs

How Long Does Protection from the Meningococcal Vaccine Last?

The meningococcal vaccine can provide protection for several years, but the duration depends on the type of vaccine and each person’s risk of infection. For the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine, a booster dose is generally recommended approximately 1 year after completing the primary vaccination series, with additional booster doses every 2–3 years if the risk of infection persists.

How Effective Is the Meningococcal Vaccine?

Meningococcal vaccines are inactivated vaccines and are generally considered safe and highly effective.

Do I Need to Get the Vaccine Again?

If you remain at risk of meningococcal infection, repeat vaccination or booster doses may be recommended based on the relevant indications.

Can Both Adults and Children Get the Meningococcal Vaccine?

Yes. The meningococcal vaccine can be given to both adults and children.Infants and children under 2 years of age may be considered for meningococcal vaccination as an additional vaccine.

  • Meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine: Can be given from 2 months of age, with 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, followed by a booster dose at 12 months. It can be administered alongside routine childhood vaccines.
  • Meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y (MenACWY) vaccine: Can be given from 1 year of age.
  • The need for vaccination should be assessed jointly by the doctor and the child’s parents or guardians.

Older children and adolescents can receive the vaccine when indicated if they are at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal disease, such as those traveling abroad to study in countries where the disease is prevalent.

Adults can receive the vaccine when indicated if they are at increased risk of exposure to meningococcal disease.

The meningococcal vaccine is an important vaccine for people at increased risk, helping to prevent severe disease and reduce the risk of death. Planning vaccination in advance, particularly before traveling or entering environments where the risk of exposure is higher, is recommended to help protect yourself and those around you.

References

  • Recommendations for Vaccination in Adults and Older Adults, Infectious Disease Association of Thailand, 2025
  • Recommendations for Meningococcal Vaccination in Thai Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand, March 19, 2025
  • World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

For more info and make appointment

Nonlapan Pitagsalee ,M.D.
General Practitioner

Latest edit : 09/10/2026

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