Simplification of childhood immunisation schedule

On 1 April 2011, the childhood immunisation schedule will change to make it simpler and easier for parents, to protect babies at an earlier stage. The change consists of combining the visits that are currently made at 12 months of age, when children receive a combined Hib and Meningococcal C vaccine, and the visit at 13 months of age when they receive their first MMR and pneumococcal booster vaccine. These vaccines will now be combined into one visit, which will take place just after the child’s first birthday.

The Influenza Weekly Surveillance Bulletin is produced by the PHA and covers statistics for Northern Ireland. The bulletin is currently produced every other week.

Vaccination coverage

What is vaccination coverage?

Vaccination coverage refers to the number of people who receive vaccines as part of different immunisation programmes. These programmes help protect individuals and communities from serious disease. 

Northern Ireland monitors vaccination coverage on a regular basis to help improve vaccination programmes and learn how well people are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccination programmes include:

Blood-borne viruses and STIs

The Blood Borne Virus/STI team

The blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) team is responsible for surveillance and control activities for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. As these are all largely preventable by avoiding risks, and in the case of hepatitis B, by vaccination, we work with a wide range of partners to reduce the numbers of people infected and ensure good treatment. 

This card outlines the key skills, causes for concern and management options for children aged 24 months and 30 months.