Antibiotics and MenB vaccination to be offered to young people in Dorset - Update 20 April 2026

UKHSA is continuing to work with Dorset Council, NHS and local partners to support the roll out of antibiotics and vaccination to young people in Weymouth, Dorset after three cases of MenB were confirmed in the area. As of 8pm on 19 April, more than 1,800 pupils at Budmouth Academy and Wey Valley Academy have been given antibiotics, out of a total of 2,500 students offered them at these schools.  

All three cases have now been discharged from hospital and there are no further suspected or confirmed cases to date.

In total, 6,500 young people in years 7-13 (or equivalent) across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell will be offered both antibiotics and vaccination as a precautionary measure. From today, further rollout continues with students attending All Saints Academy being offered antibiotics as a precaution.

For anyone eligible but not in full-time education in Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell, they can access antibiotics from Tuesday afternoon at All Saints Academy.

Dr Beth Smout, UKHSA Deputy Director, said:

“We are really pleased to see such high uptake of the antibiotic offer over the weekend. Antibiotics are the best course of action if there is a chance you have been exposed to meningococcal bacteria, with MenB vaccination offering longer term protection against becoming seriously ill.

“Thanks to the swift action from Dorset Council, local partners and NHS staff, over 6500 young people in the area will be able to access antibiotics, with vaccination to follow in the coming weeks.

“Thankfully we have seen no further cases of meningitis, but it’s still important to recognise the signs and symptoms. Symptoms can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass. If the disease is suspected, you should seek immediate medical attention as the disease can progress rapidly.”

Dawn Dawson, Chief Nursing Officer of Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital, said:

"I’d like to thank all of the families, NHS colleagues and all partners who have worked so hard to help us to deliver the antibiotics to the children and young people of Weymouth at such speed over the weekend. 

“It has been an amazing multi-agency response, and we continue to work together to make sure that antibiotics and vaccinations reach the remainder of the children and young people in the eligible population this week."

Anyone attending Atlantic Academy, Kingston Maurward Academy and Coastland Academy will be invited for antibiotics and vaccination this week.

Anyone who has not been able to access antibiotics and vaccination in schools, including those who are home educated, not in education or training and those who reside in Weymouth but attend a school outside of the area, can access antibiotics and vaccination at the following times:

• At All Saints Academy between 4-8pm on Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 April