Don’t underestimate the flu – give your child protection with the vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the need for kids to get vaccinated against flu, with the agency’s latest surveillance data showing that influenza activity continues to increase, with the highest positivity rate in children aged 5 – 14 years. In Northern Ireland, all pre-school children, and primary school aged children from primary one to year 12, are eligible for the free flu vaccine, which is given as a simple nasal spray. Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Flu is not just a bad cold, and last year 862 children and young people had a

Annual quality report 2021/22

Annual quality reports are a recommendation of the Department of Health in line with the implementation of the Q2020 Strategy - Quality 2020.

This report covers the period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022, prior to the closure of the HSCB
and the subsequent creation of SPPG. 

Annual Quality Report 2024/25

Annual quality reports are a recommendation of the Department of Health in line with the implementation of the Q2020 Strategy - Quality 2020.

This report covers the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025.

Annual quality reports are a recommendation of the Department of Health in line with the implementation of the Q2020 Strategy - 

Antimicrobial resistance is invisible, I am not – Amy’s Story

Next week is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting a powerful account of one individual’s fight against AMR to encourage everyone to join the collective effort to help reduce the threat posed by the misuse of antibiotics. When people are prescribed an antibiotic, they expect to take the drug and get better, but due to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) that is not always the case, and one Portstewart woman’s experience of AMR highlights the importance of protecting our medicines. Amy Symington is a past pupil of Coleraine Grammar

Childhood immunisation programme leaflets from January 2026

These leaflets are for parents of babies and young chidren eligible for the routine childhood immunistion programme in Northern Ireland from January 2026.

This collection of five leaflets for parents of babies and young chidren eligible for the routine childhood immunistion programme in Northern Ireland from January 2026 is available at the links below.

Winter wellbeing: PHA recommends daily vitamin D supplement

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement to support wellbeing during the autumn and winter months. Vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, diet and supplements. In Northern Ireland, from October to early spring, it is more difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight, and while foods such as oily fish, eggs, meat, dairy products and fortified cereals can help, most people still require a daily supplement at this time of year to support healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social

Early increase in flu levels a reminder of the importance of vaccination

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone who is eligible for flu vaccination to take up the offer as it remains the best defence against seasonal flu. The call comes as the PHA’s latest respiratory report shows influenza activity has increased across all surveillance indicators, but particularly among children. This increase is also earlier than has been seen in previous influenza seasons recently. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that over 300,000 people

The Implications of Covid-19 restrictions for children and young people – A rapid review of evidence relevant to Northern Ireland

The Public Health Agency has published a new evidence review, delivered by the National Children’s Bureau, exploring the wide-ranging implications of Covid-19 restrictions for children and young people across Northern Ireland. 

New report published – “The Implications of Covid-19 restrictions for children and young people – A rapid review of evidence relevant to Northern Ireland”

The Public Health Agency has published a new evidence review, delivered by the National Children’s Bureau, exploring the wide-ranging implications of Covid-19 restrictions for children and young people across Northern Ireland. The review synthesises evidence from over 100 systematic reviews and 220 primary studies, and highlights key themes including: Mental health and wellbeing Education, learning and development Relationships, loneliness and social isolation Physical health, activities and sleep Financial, wider family impacts and safeguarding Impacts on specific groups, including disabled

Southern Trust and Public Health Agency publish reports on cervical screening

The Southern Trust (SHSCT) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have today published three new reports* on cervical screening. The reports, which are available on both organisations’ websites, provide important independent analysis of the complex issues relating to the historical delivery of the cervical screening programme in the SHSCT from 2008 to 2021. Dr Stephen Austin, Medical Director at the Southern Trust, said: “The Trust apologises once again to all women who have been impacted by the cervical screening review. We acknowledge the past performance issues in our laboratory and fully
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