Meningitis Update: Important Information for Patients
We’ve been made aware of a cluster of Meningitis B (MenB) cases in the Weymouth area. The UK Health Security Agency is working with local schools. If your child is eligible for antibiotics or vaccination, this will be arranged through their school—not the GP surgery. We cannot provide these treatments to eligible students.
You may also have seen reports of a MenB outbreak in Kent, which has sadly resulted in two deaths.
For more information, visit the NHS website: Meningitis.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can be viral or bacterial. Bacterial meningitis, including MenB, is serious and requires urgent treatment. It spreads through close contact (e.g. coughing, sneezing, kissing).
MenB – Key Facts
- Most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK
- Vaccine is part of the NHS childhood programme
- Offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year (with catch-up under age 2)
- Not routinely available on the NHS for older children or adults
Vaccination Information
We can check your vaccination status, but we cannot offer the MenB vaccine to those not eligible under the NHS programme, and we do not provide it privately.
Other Meningitis Vaccines
The NHS also offers protection against other types, including pneumococcal, MMRV, and MenACWY (for young people up to 25).
Symptoms to Watch For
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Vomiting
- Non-fading rash
Symptoms can appear in any order and may progress quickly.
When to Seek Help
- Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you suspect meningitis or sepsis
- Call NHS 111 for urgent advice
- Do not wait for a rash to appear
Vaccination Checks
- Contact the surgery
- Check your child’s Red Book
- Use the NHS App
