Today is the start of Global Intergenerational Week (24-30 April) which aims to support the growth of links between young and older people to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. Involving over 15 countries, the week aims to promote intergenerational practices, help to combat a range of issues, including ageism, loneliness and social isolation, and to inspire and grow an age-friendly society connecting older and younger people. Since 2015 the Public Health Agency (PHA) has funded small grants schemes managed by Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) to help achieve these goals

This World Immunisation Week [24-30 April] the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents that vaccination should remain a priority, particularly in light of the increase in whooping cough and measles cases. World Immunisation Week aims to highlight the collective action needed to improve vaccination uptake and promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Louise Flanagan, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Ensuring that vaccination remains a top priority is vital if we are to protect our children. Both measles and whooping cough have experienced a

Ahead of World Immunisation Week 2025 the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a digital creator and poster competition for aspiring creatives from primary school pupils up to college/university students. World Immunisation Week is celebrated on 24-30 April 2025 and aims to highlight the collective action needed to improve vaccination uptake and promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting against serious diseases. Many childhood diseases that were common here prior to the introduction of

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination programme gets under way today [Monday 15 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 booster will be offered to: adults aged 75 years old or over; residents in a care home for older adults; individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “COVID-19 infection can cause more serious illness in older people and in people with certain

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians to talk to young people about the dangers of vaping unknown substances as it could make them seriously ill or even be fatal. The PHA is focussing in particular on the dangers of vaping ‘Spice’, a synthetic drug which mimics the effects of cannabis. Spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more of a group of drugs called synthetic cannabinoids. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Synthetic cannabinoids are relatively new drugs and evidence is still coming out about harms associated with

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 Christine McKee, Public Health Consultant 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