The seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2017/18 is getting under way, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to ‘Stay Well This Winter’ by ensuring that all eligible family members get the free flu vaccine when offered it. The vaccine changes each year to cover the strains which are likely to be prevalent over the course of the flu season, so it is important to get immunised annually.

From 1 October 2017, the PHA will no longer advertise funding opportunities in regional or local newspapers. From this date, the PHA will advertise social care tender opportunities and grant funding awards on its website www.publichealth.hscni.net. Above threshold tenders (above £589,147) will also be advertised directly on the procurement web portal eTendersNI. Accessing Application Documentation

More than £500,000 is being provided to community organisations in Belfast to promote physical activity and get more people moving across the city. The Belfast Strategic Partnership, made up of the Public Health Agency (PHA), Belfast City Council (BCC) and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), is providing £519,500 funding through its Get Active Belfast scheme for programmes which range from activities for people with health conditions and getting families active, to community gyms, youth programmes and getting active with Ulster Rugby.

During National Eye Health Week (18 – 24 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone to have their eyes tested every two years and to be aware of the importance of good eye health and the steps to take to protect your vision. Dr Jackie McCall, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Over 50% of sight loss is preventable, so ensuring that we all have regular eye examinations will help prevent, or limit, the damage caused by certain eye conditions.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity of the new academic year to raise awareness about student mental health and the support that is available. This month sees thousands of students heading off to university or college and although this it is an exciting time, it can also be a period of huge change. Fiona Teague, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said that for many, starting a new course will mean living away from home for the first time.

Advance Care Planning is a process through which individuals can plan ahead and make choices about their future. It is for anyone who wishes to plan ahead, whether they have a serious illness or not, and will be the focus for an event being held tomorrow [Wednesday 13 September] at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

Parents and guardians of teenage girls are being reminded of the importance of girls receiving the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide but the HPV vaccine can help protect against it, reducing the risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70% The vaccine is offered to girls in year 9, with a chance to catch up on any missed doses in year 10. Letters are being sent to parents and guardians of girls who are eligible, with information on how they can receive it this school term.