MenB jabs prompt special traffic route for Weymouth pupils

Three cases of meningitis B were confirmed in Weymouth and antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to pupils at two secondary schools; temporary traffic diversions will manage high turnout at Budmouth Academy this weekend.

Temporary traffic routes have been put in place in Weymouth as pupils attend schools for antibiotics and MenB vaccinations after three young people were confirmed to have meningitis. The UK Health Security Agency said the cases were identified between 20 March and 15 April, with two students at Budmouth Academy and one at Wey Valley Academy. Vaccination and antibiotic offers are being made first to years 7 to 13 at the two schools, with other local schools and eligible children to be invited next week. Dorset Council put in traffic diversions for the weekend to manage an expected increase in vehicle numbers. Key details: - The UKHSA confirmed three cases of meningitis B in Weymouth, reported between 20 March and 15 April, and said the individuals are recovering well. - Antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to pupils in years 7–13 at Budmouth Academy and Wey Valley Academy, with invitations for other local schools and non-school children to follow next week. - Temporary traffic diversions have been arranged around Budmouth Academy to handle higher traffic levels over the weekend. - The Dorset cases are the same MenB sub-strain among themselves but are a different sub-strain from recent cases in Kent; the health agency said they are not linked to the Kent cluster. Summary: Local health and council authorities have organised antibiotics, vaccinations and traffic arrangements in response to confirmed MenB cases among young people in Weymouth. Invitations for wider vaccination and antibiotic access are planned next week and officials continue to monitor the situation.