Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Public health response to meningococcal cases in Dorset

21 April 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Sunderland West

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK Health Security Agency is providing antibiotics and Bexsero vaccine to young people aged between school years 7 to 13 in Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas as a precautionary measure.
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccinations will review the eligibility criteria for meningitis vaccines this summer.
  • Recent cases of meningococcal disease have been reported in Dorset, prompting a public health response to control the spread.

Issue summary

The statement addresses recent cases of meningococcal disease in Dorset and the public health response to contain its spread.

Action requested

UKHSA is offering antibiotics and Bexsero vaccine to young people in Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas aged between school years 7 to 13 as a precautionary measure. The Joint Committee on Vaccinations will re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines this summer.

Key facts

  • Three cases of MenB were confirmed among young people in Weymouth, Dorset.
  • Antibiotics and Bexsero vaccine are being offered to individuals aged between school years 7 to 13 living or studying in the affected areas.
  • UKHSA has deployed 6500 doses of stockpiled antibiotics to the local area.
  • As of April 20, antibiotics have been given to 2226 individuals.
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