The COVID-19 spring vaccination programme gets under way on Monday 7 April, giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months. This year’s spring vaccine will be offered to: adults aged 75 years old or over; residents in a care home; individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “During the autumn 2024 COVID-19

This Stress Awareness Month (April) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the small daily steps we can take to help manage stress in our lives. Stress can feel like we are struggling to cope. This may be due to mental or emotional pressure. It can affect our physical and mental health and wellbeing, but understanding the signs of stress can help us recognise that we need to act. Common signs of stress can include sleeping problems, eating more or less, difficulty concentrating, drinking more alcohol or using drugs. You may feel anxious, irritable, experience racing thoughts or

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month [April], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people about the two key actions to help combat bowel cancer – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible. Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers for both men and women. Being alert to the symptoms of bowel cancer and attending for screening when invited could save your life. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of treatment being successful.” The bowel cancer screening programme in Northern

Shingles can be an extremely painful condition and complications can be long-lasting, particularly for older people and those with weakened immune systems. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those eligible to look out for their vaccination invite from their GP and not to miss the opportunity to help protect themselves. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is an infection that causes a painful rash. It often starts with tingling pain, headaches and tiredness and then can lead to a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters. Most people fully recover from shingles but in some cases it