Second meningitis B vaccinations start for young people in Weymouth and Portland
Clinics available in Chickerell, Weymouth, and Portland from today
Beginning today, young people in the Weymouth, Portland, and Chickerell areas of Dorset can receive their second vaccination for Meningitis B.
Dorset HealthCare is extending this programme to over 6,500 eligible individuals following three local cases of the disease earlier this year, all of whom have fully recovered.
Collaborating with Dorset Council and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), local pupils in school years 7 to 13 are urged to attend clinics from today to complete their second vaccination, ensuring full protection against Meningitis B.
Following initial cases in Weymouth, a rapid vaccination programme was initiated by hundreds of staff from Dorset HealthCare, Dorset Council, and other local bodies, running clinics in schools throughout the area.
Though nearly 76% of eligible young people have already received their first dose, the second dose is crucial for comprehensive immunity.
From today, clinics will operate at All Saints, Wey Valley, Atlantic, and Budmouth academies, including evening and weekend sessions for those within the target age group who do not attend these schools or are not in full-time education. Reminder letters have been sent to parents and young people, detailing clinic schedules.
Clinic Locations and Times
- Monday 1st June: All Saints, 9:30am - 3pm (Years 7-11)
- Monday 1st June evening: All Saints venue, 4pm – 7:30pm (NEET, Home Educated, St Osmunds)
- Wednesday 3rd June: Wey Valley, 9am – 3pm (Years 7-11)
- Wednesday 3rd June evening: All Saints Venue, 4pm – 7:30pm (Thomas Hardye, Dorchester middle school)
- Friday 5th June: Atlantic, 9:30am – 3pm (Years 7-11)
- Friday 5th June evening: All Saints venue, 4pm – 7:30pm (ANY, priority Year 11s)
- Saturday 6th June: Budmouth, 9am – 1pm (Years 7-9), 1:15pm – 3:45pm (Years 11 and 13), 4pm – 7pm (Years 10 and 12)
- Saturday 13th June: Budmouth venue, 9am – 1:30pm (Coastlands), 2pm – 5pm (ANY)
Eligibility requires residence in Weymouth, Portland, or Chickerell in school years 7-13, or participation in education settings in these locales.
Young individuals should ideally attend clinics in their respective schools. However, those who missed in-school clinics or are not in school may visit any evening clinic at All Saints Academy or Saturday clinics at Budmouth Academy, bringing their letter and ID. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
For those who missed the first vaccination, it may be administered at upcoming clinics; inform the team on arrival.
Presently, there is no evidence of MenB spread beyond the Weymouth area, and risk to other Dorset children remains low. Consequently, there is no requirement for vaccination in schools outside this area.
Dr Beth Smout, Interim Deputy Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: "We are really pleased to have seen such high uptake of the first dose of the vaccine, thank you to all the young people and their families for coming forward to get the protection they need so far and to healthcare partners for delivering this service to the local community."
"We are now inviting anyone in this cohort to come forward for the second dose when offered by their school, or to attend one of the evening clinics if you won’t be offered in school. This is really important to help protect against further cases and give full protection."
"Thankfully, we have seen no further cases of meningitis, but it’s still important to recognise the signs and symptoms. If the disease is suspected, immediate medical attention is crucial as it can progress rapidly."