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Starting university or college? Think meningitis

As young people prepare to start university or college, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those going for the first time to get the meningococcal vaccine if they didn’t receive it at school to help protect against potentially deadly illness.

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered as part of the school-based vaccination programme. It helps protect against meningococcal disease, which new university or college students are at higher risk of contracting in the first weeks of term, when they will come into contact with many new people of a similar age. If you missed getting it at school now is the time to catch-up.

HSC campaign urges everyone to prioritise workplace mental health

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations have launched this year’s HSC mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign urging people to prioritise workplace mental health.

Between now and World Mental Health Day on 10 October the five local HSC Trusts, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the PHA are encouraging people to take 10 minutes for mental health self-care using the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme launches in Northern Ireland

As the new life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme aimed at protecting newborns and older adults launches in Northern Ireland the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated when invited.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues and hospitalisation.

Celebrating Swallow Aware campaign partnership

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and Hospitality Ulster welcomed Nick Hewer, President of RCSLT, to Brain Injury Matters to celebrate with all those who contributed to the resources designed for the recent Swallow Aware campaign.

Illustrated graphic with added text 'Urology Awareness Month'

Urology Awareness Month: be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancers relating to the urinary and reproductive systems

During Urology Awareness Month (September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancers relating to the urinary and reproductive systems including bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancer.

What we do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland is responsible for providing health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement to every member of every community in Northern Ireland.

We are committed to safeguarding public health, promoting public health and social welfare, and reducing inequalities in health and social wellbeing. Read more about what we do

The PHA operates under a framework of three functional areas:

Latest news

Your guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults
Monday, 09 September 2024 - Publication
This information leaflet describes how you can help protect yourself from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by having the vaccine if you are...
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation programme for older adults: factsheet for healthcare practitioners
Monday, 09 September 2024 - Publication
This factsheet for health professionals provides details of the immunisation programme for older adults which aims to protect them against...

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