Immunise, protect, thrive

This leaflet highlights the importance of the routine childhood immunisation schedule which was revised on 1 January 2026.

This leaflet highlights the importance of the routine childhood immunisation schedule which was revised on 1 January 2026.

‘Immunise, protect, thrive’ Living Well Campaign goes live

A new campaign – ‘immunise, protect, thrive’ – focussing on the importance of childhood immunisations has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlight that it is the most important thing you can do to protect your child from ill health. The campaign will run during February and March 2026 and supports the new vaccination schedule changes which commenced on 1 January 2026. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health

Your guide to the RSV vaccine for residents living in a care home for older adults

This leaflet is for people living in a care home for older adults who will be offered the RSV vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncitial Virus, an infectious disease of the lungs and airways that can be serious for older adults.

This leaflet is for people living in a care home for older adults who will be offered the RSV vaccine to protect them against Respiratory Syncitial Virus, an infectious disease of the lungs and airways that can be serious for older adult

Stay safe in the sun on your winter holiday

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget to pack their sunscreen when getting ready for their winter getaway, whether it’s to the beach or the ski slopes. Frances Dowds, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “UV rays can be every bit as damaging for winter holidaymakers. Therefore, it is extremely important to take steps to protect your skin and stay safe in the sun, whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun. “Sunlight helps provide our bodies with vitamin D, supports bone health

Pregnant women urged to take precautions during lambing season

It may be January, but the first lambs have already started to appear in fields across Northern Ireland, so it’s a timely reminder to pregnant women from the Public Health Agency (PHA) of the potential risks associated with close contact with sheep during lambing season. The PHA advises women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant to take precautions to reduce the risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep, particularly during lambing season, which typically runs until the end of April. Dr Patrick McAleavey Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said:

Don’t ignore your cervical screening invitation – it could save your life

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding women of the importance of attending for cervical screening when invited. Screening is aimed at detecting early cell changes that could go on to develop into cancer if they are not treated. Between 2018 and 2022, there was an average of 84 people diagnosed with cervical cancer annually in Northern Ireland, with around 21 deaths per year. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to

New Year’s resolution: set goals that stick!

As a new year begins, many people will set resolutions to improve their health and wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to focus on small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference—boosting energy, improving mood, and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health Improvement Manager at PHA, said: “January is a great time to think about what really matters for your health, but don’t feel pressured into quick fixes or fad diets – they rarely last. Instead, start small and make changes you can stick with. Even simple steps, like

Free chickenpox vaccination for kids to go live in January

The Public Health Agency has announced that chickenpox vaccination will be added to the childhood immunisation programme from January, which will help protect thousands of children from this unpleasant and potentially serious illness each year. This will be the first time in Northern Ireland that children will be offered protection against chickenpox for free through the childhood programme. Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting our children against serious diseases. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Parents will now be able to help

SPPG/PHA Safety and Quality Annual Learning Report, April 2024 - March 2025

This report captures the lessons we have learned during this reporting period from those safety and
quality processes where, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and Public Health Agency (PHA) have a regional oversight role.

SPPG/PHA Safety and Quality Annual Learning Report April 2024 - March 2025, EDITION 22

Free support on offer to help make 2026 the year you quit

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution and to take a positive step towards better health. The agency funds a range of free stop smoking support services to help people on their quit journey. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control at the PHA, said: “The beginning of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. It’s one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which
Subscribe to