Meningitis antibiotics prompt 'phenomenal' response in Weymouth

Three students in Weymouth were confirmed to have meningitis and hundreds of pupils in school years 7–13 were given precautionary antibiotics, with a meningitis B vaccination planned.

Three students in Weymouth were confirmed to have meningitis between 20 March and 15 April, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Two of the students attend Budmouth Academy and the third attends Wey Valley Academy. Over a weekend, precautionary antibiotics were issued to hundreds of pupils in school years 7 to 13 across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell. Officials said those who received the short-term antibiotic protection will be offered a meningitis B (MenB) vaccination and that more information on the vaccination schedule will follow. Key points: - Three cases were confirmed in Weymouth between 20 March and 15 April, reported by the UKHSA. - Hundreds of pupils in years 7–13 were given a single dose of precautionary antibiotics over the weekend, with local health and emergency staff running clinics. - Those who have taken the antibiotic will be offered a MenB vaccination; details of the vaccination timetable will be provided later. Summary: Health leaders said a rapid local response delivered antibiotics to large numbers of pupils after a cluster of three confirmed meningitis cases, and all three students are reported to be recovering. Officials have announced that people who received the antibiotic will be offered a MenB vaccine, with the vaccination schedule to be confirmed in due course.