Thousands of teenagers offered Meningitis B vaccine following three confirmed cases in Dorset

17 April 2026 , 20:38

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Thousands of teenagers offered Meningitis B vaccine following three confirmed cases in Dorset

Three cases of meningitis B have been confirmed in young people in Dorset, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Thousands of teenagers in Weymouth are being offered the Meningitis B vaccine following three confirmed cases in two schools within the town.

Antibiotics and vaccines are now being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 throughout the Weymouth, Portland, and Chickerell areas of Dorset.

The UKHSA stated that the three cases were confirmed between March 20 and April 15. The three affected students have received treatment and are "recovering well," adding that close contacts have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Two of the young people attended Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other attended Wey Valley Academy, another secondary school.

Information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis has been shared with students and parents of both schools, the UKHSA reported.

The three cases have been confirmed as menB and are the same sub-strain type—but a different sub-strain—from the cases seen in Kent last month, which resulted in two student fatalities.

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor