Sexual Health Week: ‘Take Your Pick’ – the contraception available to you

This Sexual Health Week (12-18 February) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting that different types of contraception work for different people so ‘Take Your Pick’. There are a range of contraceptives to help prevent unplanned pregnancy available to suit everyone’s needs and what works best will depend on what matters to you. It is also important to remember that only condoms can protect against both Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Your sexual health and wellbeing is

Hearing tests for your baby - an easy read guide

This guide aims to explain all about the hearing tests we do to help us find out how well your baby is hearing.

This guide aims to explain all about the hearing tests we do to help us find out how well your baby is hearing.

Measles - don't let your child catch it - get the MMRV vaccine

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV) vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect against these diseases. You need two doses of MMR to be fully protected.

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chickenpox) (MMRV) vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect against these diseases. You need two doses of MMR to be fully protected.

MMR vaccine catch-up to tackle threat of measles

A vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the growing threat of measles has been announced by the Public Health Agency (PHA). From today first and second doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine will be offered to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around. The MMR catch-up campaign will run until 31 March 2024. Those who have never received any doses of MMR vaccine should book early to allow one month between dose one and dose two before the end of March. After a worrying drop in uptake in recent years and a growing number of

World Cancer Day: be aware of the signs and symptoms

Ahead of World Cancer Day on Sunday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take notice of their bodies and reach out to their GP if they feel something isn’t right. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA said: “Everyone knows what is ‘normal’ for them and it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body but there are some common changes and symptoms to look out for and act on. Being aware of the general signs and symptoms of cancer can help in early detection and increase your chance of survival. “Cancer is a common condition. It is

Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccination leaflet

This leaflet describes the importance of getting two doses of the MMR vaccine and who is eligible for routine vaccination. It also explains how to catch up if you think you have missed one or both doses.

PHA Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Training Framework 2025

The Framework was developed to provide information for individuals and organisations on mental health, emotional wellbeing and suicide.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) Training Framework for Mental Health Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention is in line with the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy and Protect Life 2 Strategy.

‘Know Your Units’ Living Well campaign launched

As part of the Living Well service, community pharmacies are highlighting the importance of why those who drink alcohol should ‘Know Your Units’. The ‘Know Your Units’ campaign aims to increase awareness of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of not drinking regularly more than 14 units per week, and the health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess of these guidelines. The campaign will run in over 500 community pharmacies throughout February and March 2024 as part of the ‘Living Well’ service, a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI)

Improving experience for customers with swallowing difficulties - top tips for hospitality

Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can affect people with a range of medical conditions, including cancer, dementia, mental health conditions, Parkinson's and learning disabilities.

Meet the group knitting boobs to support breastfeeding mums

A knitting group has been busy knitting boobs to help support breastfeeding mums. The ‘Knit and Natter’ group meets twice a week at Arc Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, providing an opportunity for people in the community to connect and share a passion for all things knitting. Sharon Duncan is part of the group that helped to knit over 20 boobs that will be used as teaching aids to support breastfeeding mums. Sharon said: “We were delighted to be able to do our bit to support breastfeeding mums. A few of the group members got together and decided to give it a go and they
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