The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement to support wellbeing during the autumn and winter months. Vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, diet and supplements. In Northern Ireland, from October to early spring, it is more difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight, and while foods such as oily fish, eggs, meat, dairy products and fortified cereals can help, most people still require a daily supplement at this time of year to support healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone who is eligible for flu vaccination to take up the offer as it remains the best defence against seasonal flu. The call comes as the PHA’s latest respiratory report shows influenza activity has increased across all surveillance indicators, but particularly among children. This increase is also earlier than has been seen in previous influenza seasons recently. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that over 300,000 people

The Public Health Agency has published a new evidence review, delivered by the National Children’s Bureau, exploring the wide-ranging implications of Covid-19 restrictions for children and young people across Northern Ireland. The review synthesises evidence from over 100 systematic reviews and 220 primary studies, and highlights key themes including: Mental health and wellbeing Education, learning and development Relationships, loneliness and social isolation Physical health, activities and sleep Financial, wider family impacts and safeguarding Impacts on specific groups, including disabled

The Southern Trust (SHSCT) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have today published three new reports* on cervical screening. The reports, which are available on both organisations’ websites, provide important independent analysis of the complex issues relating to the historical delivery of the cervical screening programme in the SHSCT from 2008 to 2021. Dr Stephen Austin, Medical Director at the Southern Trust, said: “The Trust apologises once again to all women who have been impacted by the cervical screening review. We acknowledge the past performance issues in our laboratory and fully

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and to know how to reduce your risk. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland, with the latest published data showing that there were 1,367 people diagnosed with the disease here in 2022. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, said: “Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease as