Health Protection

Latest News

Think FAST if you suspect a stroke!
Gonorrhoea vaccination programme for Northern Ireland
RSV – it’s not just a winter vaccine
Campaign to increase cancer awareness through pharmacies rolled out
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – be aware of symptoms and take part in screening if eligible

Latest publications

COVID-19 vaccinations - A guide for parents of children 6 months to 11 years of age at high risk
Hexavalent (6 in 1) combination vaccine (routine immunisation programme)
Meningococcal ACWY programme for adolescents
Meningococcal B immunisation programme - Factsheet for healthcare professionals
Vaccinations for patients with cancer or blood disorders 2025/26

The Health Protection Service plays an important role in keeping people in Northern Ireland safe from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. We do this through:

School’s out for summer – time to talk about alcohol and drugs

With thousands of young people finishing school for the summer, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “Many teenagers will be spending more time with friends over the coming months, heading out to gigs and festivals, and perhaps even heading off on their first solo holiday, which could lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks.

Training framework for specialist stop smoking services in Northern Ireland, 2015

This framework document outlines the training standards and learning outcomes for stop smoking service providers. It describes the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services, and sets the minimum standards for delivery.

Also available as a PDF is the document Quality standards for the delivery of specialist stop smoking services in Northern Ireland.

Alcohol – its impact on you: Alcohol Awareness Week 2018

During Alcohol Awareness Week (18-24 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland’s Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (NIDACTs) are highlighting the impact alcohol can have on people who drink too much and those around them. The week will feature a range of messages on the dangers of mixing alcohol with drugs, the benefits of taking a quick alcohol MOT and highlighting information and support services available for those who need help for their drinking or for someone they know.

Mixing: reduce your risk of harm

This leaflet provides information on the risks of taking two or more drugs at the same time. This can include alcohol, over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs, and illegal or illicit drugs.

This leaflet provides information on the risks of taking two or more drugs at the same time. This can include alcohol, over-the-counter medication or prescription drugs, and illegal or illicit drugs. It explains how combining different types of drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous, outlines the specific risks linked to particular combinations, and offers advice on how to reduce your risk of harm. It also signposts sources of help and support for anyone affected by their own or someone else's alcohol or drug use.

Sexuality, relationships and dementia

This leaflet has useful information on sexuality and relationships for anyone with a dementia.You may also find this leaflet helpful if you are caring for someone with a dementia.

Planning ahead with dementia

This leaflet provides information on planning ahead for people with a dementia and their carers and families.


Precautionary recall of patients at two GP practices for cervical screening

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have been made aware of possible shortcomings in the technique used to take cervical screening tests (commonly referred to as cervical smears) at two GP practices. This issue affects a small number of women whose tests were taken by one particular healthcare worker.
Subscribe to