NEWS

Chickenpox vaccination is to be added to Northern Ireland’s childhood immunisation programme from January, offering thousands of children protection each year against an illness that, while often considered mild, can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications. The Public Health Agency (PHA) confirmed the move will mark the first time children in Northern Ireland can receive free protection against chickenpox through the routine childhood vaccination schedule. Hea

Smokers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) highlights a wide range of free stop smoking support services available to help people quit for good. The PHA is urging those who smoke to take advantage of the fresh start offered by the beginning of a new year, describing quitting smoking as one of the most positive steps people can take to improve their health and protect those around

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all eligible people to get their flu vaccine “without delay”, warning that cases and hospital admissions are rising sharply in Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas. Nearly 500,000 flu vaccines have already been administered this season, but the latest respiratory surveillance data shows a significant increase in flu activity across all monitored age groups and healthcare settings. Confirmed cases have climbed from 988 to 1

Fionntán McGarvey As the countdown to Christmas begins, one Belfast family is urging people across Northern Ireland to talk openly about organ donation — a conversation they say helped them honour their teenage son’s final wishes and save the lives of others. On Organ Donation Discussion Day, Thursday 11 December, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging households to take a moment to consider their decision about organ and tissue donation and share that choice with love

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians across Northern Ireland to ensure their children receive the seasonal flu vaccine, as the latest surveillance data shows influenza activity on the rise — with the highest positivity rate recorded in children aged 5–14. All pre-school children and those in primary school up to Year 12 are eligible for the free flu vaccine, delivered as a simple nasal spray. Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health

Amy Symington As the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) next week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is shining a light on the very real and often devastating consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the centre of this year’s message is the powerful experience of 21-year-old Portstewart woman Amy Symington , whose life was upended when a seemingly minor hip pain evolved into a life-threatening infection resistant to common antibiotics. For

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Alison Griffiths, Nurse Consultant PHA launching the winter vaccines in Portaferry The Public Health...

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations are encouraging people across Northern Ireland to look...

As Northern Ireland prepares for a series of concerts this weekend, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a stark reminder to the...

Libby Higham, Coordinator at the Family Caring Centre A heartfelt telephone befriending service in Antrim is making a significant...

A landmark ban on single-use vapes has come into effect today across the United Kingdom, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts...

L-R: Callie Persic, Development Manager at Belfast City Council, Stephen Wilson, Head of Strategic Engagement, Public Health Agency,...

A groundbreaking report from the Public Health Agency (PHA) has shed light on the escalating issue of vaping among young people in...

With the summer travel season approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued timely guidance to help holidaymakers safeguard...

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has made a direct appeal to the people of Northern Ireland, urging them to take greater personal...

Ahead of World Hand Hygiene Day (5 May), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on families across Northern Ireland to take simple but...

Pictured at the conference are back row Seanna McNeill, Sadie Campbell, Maria Betts, Grainne Moore. Front row Lizzie Crawford, Leah...

An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal condition which can particularly affect older men, but can be detected with a...

This April, as part of Stress Awareness Month, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to adopt...

As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone choosing to drink to be careful...