A new vaccine which helps prevent meningitis B is being offered to babies from today [1 September] as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme. The vaccine is available to babies born on or after 1 July 2015 and doses are given at two months old, four months old and a booster when the child is one year old. The Men B vaccine will help protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
PHA procurement priorities for 2025-2026
The Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to make upcoming procurement opportunities easier to plan for in advance.
By sharing this information early, businesses can better prepare by finding partners, forming consortia, or setting up sub-contracting relationships if need.
PHA launches public consultation on Lifeline service
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching a 12-week public consultation on the future of the Lifeline crisis response service. The current Lifeline service is a free-to-call regional confidential telephone helpline for people who are in emotional crisis and are at risk of self-harm or suicide. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The current Lifeline service was commissioned in 2012 by the PHA as part of a range of measures to tackle suicide under the Protect Life suicide prevention strategy.
Pack a healthy lunch for the best start to school year
As the new school year approaches, parents are being encouraged to think about what they pack in their children’s lunchboxes and to choose a healthier option for the best start to the school year. The message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) for those preparing the packed lunch and snack for break is to steer clear of sugary drinks and snacks high in added sugar, fat and salt, and to remember that children only need kid-sized portions.
Public Health Agency - 006
Name of Contract: Community Based Psychological Intervention & Support Services for people who Self Harm including provision of Family/Carer Services
Total Annual Contract Value £719k
Contract Duration: This contract will run for 2 years from 1 Sept 2015 - 31 August 2017 with a possible 3 x 12 month extensions until 31 August 2020
Belfast HSCT area - Community Wellbeing Alliance
Northern HSCT area - Zest
Southern HSCT area - NIAMH
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued further advice on e-cigarettes to help people make informed decisions.
Smoking tobacco is very harmful to health. The short and long term effects of smoking are well known and smoking remains the single biggest cause of early death in Northern Ireland. A typical smoker dies 10-15 years earlier than they would do if they didn’t smoke.
Exam celebrations – take time to talk to your young people
With thousands of young people due to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking and taking drugs. Many teenagers will go out with friends when they get exam results, whether they are celebrating or commiserating. Both scenarios can lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks.
Londonderry/Derry man hails life-saving screening programme
A Londonderry/Derry man has spoken of his relief when a simple scan detected a potentially life-threatening condition – an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all men aged 65 and over to consider taking up the offer of screening for this serious condition.