The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all people aged 70 and 78 years old that they are eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine will help protect them against this common and painful disease and its complications. The shingles vaccine will be offered routinely to people who were aged 70 years on 1 September 2016 (born between 2 September 1945 and 1 September 1946 inclusive); and as part of a catch-up programme, also to those aged 78 on 1 September (born between 2 September 1937 and 1 September 1938 inclusive).

‘Break the silence, reach for help’ is an initiative being launched today to highlight the support that is available for family members who are affected by a loved one’s drinking and/or drug misuse and encourage them to get help in their own right.

Over 65s are being offered free home safety checks thanks to a Public Health Agency (PHA) partnership with Belfast City Council, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Bryson Energy. Through the Belfast Handyperson Home Safety & Repair Scheme, a Handyperson will visit the older person’s property and identify areas of risk and give information, advice and support on how to make the home safer, and provide a home safety pack.

A new dementia campaign #STILLME was launched yesterday [Tuesday 20 September] to raise awareness of the signs of dementia, and to reduce stigma and fear about the condition.

Autumn marks the official start of the seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2016/2017, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to ensure 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.

During National Eye Health Week (19 – 25 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of good eye health and the need for everyone to have their eyes tested every two years. 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.

Zika does not occur naturally in the UK. However, since 2015, the Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that there have been less than five cases of Northern Ireland residents diagnosed with Zika virus. All have a history of travel to Zika-affected areas. The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. The infection often occurs without symptoms but it can cause a mild illness which can include fever, headache, rash, joint and muscle pain, and conjunctivitis.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill today welcomed the largest ever investment in academic medicine through an all island collaborative partnership. The combined funding, approximately £10 million over the next five years, is from Wellcome Trust, participating universities, the Public Health Agency’s Research and Development Division (HSC R&D) and Ireland’s Health Research Board.