South West Doctor encourages young people to have Men B Vaccine
Earlier this year, three confirmed cases were identified in Weymouth.
Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B disease (MenB) through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year.Â
The national one-off vaccination programme announced last week will offer protection against MenB disease to all Year 13 pupils and those under 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
Eligible young people across the South West, including those heading to universities and colleges in the region, will be contacted directly through the NHS App, by text or email from mid-July, with vaccinations available from the end of July.
The announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) followed three confirmed cases of MenB earlier this year among young people in Weymouth.
All three cases attended local secondary schools, with two at Budmouth Academy and one at Wey Valley Academy - All three individuals were discharged from hospital, and there were no further confirmed cases linked to the cluster.
The confirmed cases led to the UKHSA working with Dorset Council and NHS partners to offer precautionary antibiotics and MenB vaccination to around 6,500 young people in years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell.
Dr Beth Smout, Interim Regional Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said:
"The cluster of MenB cases we saw in Weymouth earlier this year was a stark reminder of just how quickly this disease can affect young people and their families, and how important it is that we act swiftly when cases emerge. I want to again thank the communities of Weymouth and the wider Dorset area for their response. The uptake of antibiotics and vaccination was outstanding, and it made a real difference.
"This new one-off programme is an important next step. MenB disease is rare, but it is serious; it can be fatal in around one in ten cases and can cause life-changing harm, including amputation, hearing loss and brain damage. Two doses of the MenB vaccine will give eligible young people good protection against most strains as they head into university and college life, where close contact with new people increases the risk of exposure.
Dr Smout added this important message to all young people across the South West:
"I strongly encourage every eligible young person in the South West to come forward for their first dose as soon as bookings open in mid-July, and to make sure they get their second dose too. It's also important that everyone, whether eligible for the vaccine or not, knows the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and seeks immediate medical attention if they are concerned."
You can find out more about the programme here.