Bangkok: Panic ensues as Thais rush to get vaccinated. Dr. Yong revealed that Thais are rushing to get meningococcal vaccines, causing a shortage. He emphasized that the chance of infection is very low and there is no need to get the vaccine. According to Thai News Agency, Professor Yong Poovorawan, MD, a Royal Academician of Thailand and a member of the Academy of Science, highlighted the situation in a Facebook post. He stated that the high demand for meningococcal meningitis vaccines has led to a shortage, mainly because Thailand is unable to produce this vaccine domestically. Dr. Yong assured that the general Thai population does not require the meningococcal meningitis vaccine due to the low incidence rate of the disease in Thailand. The rate is less than 0.01 to 0.02 people per 100,000 per year, roughly translating to 1 in 1 million to 1 in 5 million people. The disease mostly affects children under 15 years old, with strain B being the most prevalent in Thailand. While vaccination against strains A, CY, and W is recommended in Western and Middle Eastern countries, the need in Thailand is primarily for the B variant vaccine, especially for young children and those with compromised immune systems. However, the risk of infection is minimal, and thus, the vaccine is not yet mandatory. For individuals traveling abroad, particularly for tourism, vaccination is not necessary before departure. Nonetheless, those participating in work and travel programs, attending Western schools, or staying in student dormitories, as well as those going on pilgrimages, are advised to get vaccinated. The quadrivalent vaccine (AV, Y, and W-401) is recommended for these travelers.