The Public Health Agency welcomes today's study by US researchers stating babies are less likely to get flu if their mothers have had the vaccine during pregnancy.

The annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign for winter 2010/11 is now underway and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all those in ‘at risk’ groups to get their vaccine when invited to do so. All pregnant women are being offered the flu vaccine this year, regardless of their stage of pregnancy.

In today’s society more and more people who are diagnosed with cancer are surviving and many are able to live much longer with a better quality of life than before. However cancer survivors still need treatment and reconditioning to help them move forward. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting LIVESTRONG Day, created by cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, on the 2 October 2010, and has invested in physical activity initiatives which could be linked to cancer prevention, as well as rehabilitation.

Today approximately 600 million people worldwide are aged 60 years and over. People are living longer than ever before and the proportion of older people in our society is growing.

Women in Northern Ireland are being urged to be breast aware and make simple lifestyle changes in a bid to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

Parents, carers and those with autism are actively involved in shaping the future of autism services across Northern Ireland. The Reference Group entitled Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network Reference Group (RASDN) comprising of parents, carers, users of autism services and the voluntary sector, was established in 2009 to help ensure their views were being heard and acted upon within the statutory sector.

Public Health Agency was informed at the weekend of the very sudden and tragic death of an eighteen year old male from Ballycastle. His most likely cause of death was Meningococcal Septicaemia. All appropriate public health actions have been taken and prophylactic medication has been organised for close contacts.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a physical activity campaign to encourage our children to be more active. Research shows 82% of parents believe their child is getting the recommended daily amount or more, of physical activity, but the reality is that less than a quarter (24%) of 9 -11 years olds take part in the recommended 60 minutes physical activity, 7 days a week. ¹יּ²

Statement issued jointly by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency

Residents from Derrybeg Community Association in Newry have received funding from the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP). The SIHP is a committee of the Public Health Agency and covers the council areas of Armagh, Newry and Mourne, Dungannon, Cragiavon and Banbridge. Its Neighborhood and Environmental Issue Group awarded the funding to the Association to help clean up a large area of grass and footpaths within the local community that have become overgrown and inaccessible to the residents.