Poster Presentation 25th International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference 2026

Addressing the immunization gap: an expert consensus on Meningococcal vaccination policy for students studying abroad and military recruits in Taiwan (#106)

Yung-Chih Wang 1 , Li-Min Huang 2 , Feng-Yee Chang 1 , Hsin-Lung Chan 3 , Nan-Chang Chiu 3 , Hsin Chi 3 , Ching-Tai Huang 4 , Po-Yen Chen 5 , Hsiao-Chuan Lin 6 , Shin-Jung Lee 7 , Chien-Hsien Huang 8
  1. Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan
  2. National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
  3. MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
  4. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
  5. Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
  6. China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
  7. Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  8. Shin Kong Memorial Hospital, Taipei , Taiwan

Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a vaccine-preventable yet potentially fatal infection, remains a significant global health threat, with serogroup B (MenB) emerging as a leading cause in many regions. Recent outbreaks, including a 23-case cluster in Kent, UK, highlight the vulnerability of young adults in congregate settings. While Taiwan maintains a robust childhood immunization schedule, significant protection gaps persist during high-risk life transitions, particularly for students relocating to endemic regions and citizens entering compulsory military service.

Aim/Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of Taiwanese experts—specializing  in infectious diseases, infection control, pediatrics, and travel medicine—conducted a comprehensive review of health requirements across university portals in the US, UK, and Australia, alongside various international vaccination protocols for military recruits. The panel evaluated the IMD disease burden, vaccine cost-effectiveness, implementation barriers, and practical policy frameworks. A formal expert meeting was convened to establish a national consensus using a structured Delphi method.

Results: Eleven experts participated in the consensus process, reviewing global vaccine policies in depth. Findings indicated that university health requirements often mandate only the Meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine (e.g., MenACWY-CRM). Similarly, recommendations for military recruits  in several countries do not always align with the predominant local serogroups. Like Japan and South Korea, Taiwan does not currently mandate MenB vaccination in its routine adolescent programs. Through this structured multidisciplinary approach, the panel reached a consensus recommending that both the four-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) and MenACWY-CRM be required for students planning to study abroad and recommended for all military recruits.

Conclusions: This consensus provides a practical framework for frontline clinicians to enhance IMD awareness and immunization rates among students and military personnel. Furthermore, these findings serve as a formal recommendation for public health authorities to consider expanding preventive vaccination coverage for adolescent and young adult populations in Taiwan.