Autumn marks the official start of the seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2016/2017, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to ensure that all eligible family members get the free flu vaccine when offered it. The vaccine changes each year to cover the strains which are likely to be prevalent over the course of the flu season, so it is important to get immunised annually.

During National Eye Health Week (19 – 25 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of good eye health and the need for everyone to have their eyes tested every two years. Dr Jackie McCall, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Over 50% of sight loss is preventable, so ensuring that we all have regular eye examinations will help prevent, or limit, the damage caused by certain eye conditions.

Zika does not occur naturally in the UK. However, since 2015, the Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that there have been less than five cases of Northern Ireland residents diagnosed with Zika virus. All have a history of travel to Zika-affected areas. The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. The infection often occurs without symptoms but it can cause a mild illness which can include fever, headache, rash, joint and muscle pain, and conjunctivitis.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill today welcomed the largest ever investment in academic medicine through an all island collaborative partnership. The combined funding, approximately £10 million over the next five years, is from Wellcome Trust, participating universities, the Public Health Agency’s Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) and Ireland’s Health Research Board.

With one in five of us in Northern Ireland showing signs of a mental health problem at any one time, [1] a new media campaign is aiming to reduce stigma and discrimination towards those affected.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to highlight the importance of checking in with someone if you are concerned about them and asking them how they are feeling. The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is ‘Connect. Communicate. Care’.

As the summer holidays come to an end and children settle in to the autumn term, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents about the importance of good hygiene – both in school and at home. Schools can be a common breeding ground for germs and bugs. Make sure your child is taking the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs to others as they start the new school term. Parents and schools can help reduce the spread of germs by encouraging children to practise good personal hygiene by:

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new initiative to work with employers to promote better health at work. Three organisations have been chosen to deliver the Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service, which will engage small, medium and large businesses to commit to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of employees within the workplace.