New Year’s resolution: set goals that stick!

As a new year begins, many people will set resolutions to improve their health and wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to focus on small, sustainable changes that can make a big difference—boosting energy, improving mood, and reducing the risk of chronic health conditions. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health Improvement Manager at PHA, said: “January is a great time to think about what really matters for your health, but don’t feel pressured into quick fixes or fad diets – they rarely last. Instead, start small and make changes you can stick with. Even simple steps, like

Free chickenpox vaccination for kids to go live in January

The Public Health Agency has announced that chickenpox vaccination will be added to the childhood immunisation programme from January, which will help protect thousands of children from this unpleasant and potentially serious illness each year. This will be the first time in Northern Ireland that children will be offered protection against chickenpox for free through the childhood programme. Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting our children against serious diseases. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Parents will now be able to help

SPPG/PHA Safety and Quality Annual Learning Report, April 2024 - March 2025

This report captures the lessons we have learned during this reporting period from those safety and
quality processes where, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and Public Health Agency (PHA) have a regional oversight role.

SPPG/PHA Safety and Quality Annual Learning Report April 2024 - March 2025, EDITION 22

Free support on offer to help make 2026 the year you quit

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution and to take a positive step towards better health. The agency funds a range of free stop smoking support services to help people on their quit journey. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control at the PHA, said: “The beginning of a new year provides a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. It’s one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money, which

Festive routines may change, safe sleep shouldn’t: PHA advice for parents

As temperatures drop and routines change during the festive period, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and guardians that following safer sleep advice is essential to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. Emily Roberts, Director of Nursing at the Public Health Agency, said: "The festive period can bring extra challenges – colder weather, busier homes and alternative sleeping arrangements. While it’s natural to want to keep your baby warm and comfortable, it’s important to remember safe sleeping advice. Adding extra blankets or sharing a bed for warmth can increase risks.

Immunisation for babies up to a year old

This leaflet describes the vaccines given to babies up to a year old and includes the complete routine childhood immunisation schedule from January 2026. 

This leaflet describes the vaccines given to babies up to a year old and includes the complete routine childhood immunisation schedule from January 2026. 

Immunisation for children aged 18 months

This leaflet is for parents of children due their vaccines aged 18 months and includes information on the complete childhod immunisation schedule from January 2026.

This leaflet is for parents of children due their vaccines aged 18 months and includes information on the complete childhod immunisation schedule from January 2026.

A visual guide to vaccines

This poster is a visual guide to vaccines used in the childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland from January 2026 aimed at healthcare professionals.

This poster is a visual guide to vaccines used in the childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland from January 2026 aimed at healthcare professionals.

The complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026 for healthcare professionals

This factsheet for healthcare professionals summarises the complete childhood immunisation schedule in Northern Ireland from January 2026.

This factsheet for healthcare professionals summarises the complete routine immunisation schedule in Northern Ireland from 1 July 2025. 

Check the halls: home accident prevention this Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking parents and carers to be aware of the extra safety risks for children and young people across the festive season and to take steps to help ensure everyone can enjoy the excitement, decorations, and celebrations safely. Emily Roberts, Director of Nursing at the PHA, said: “No one wants any child to be placed in danger or at risk, but the reality is accidents do happen. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with five common hazards – choking, suffocation and strangulation; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and drowning – accounting for 90% of
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