As the new life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme aimed at protecting newborns and older adults launches in Northern Ireland the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated when invited. RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues and hospitalisation. From the

With the beginning of a new school year approaching, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents of children who will be entering year 9 that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the school year. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in young people. While most types of HPV are harmless, some high-risk types can lead to the development of cancers, including cervical cancer, cancers of the head and neck (mouth and throat) and cancers of the anus and genital areas. Both boys and girls in year 9 are offered a single dose of the

Following the declaration by the World Health Organization of an outbreak and rapid spread of a new strain of mpox (Clade 1) in some African countries as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is liaising with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to ensure appropriate measures are in place to manage cases and reduce the risk of spread should cases be identified in the United Kingdom. The risk to the Northern Ireland population is currently low. However, planning is under way to prepare for any cases that we might see in Northern Ireland

With young people set to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to them now about risks of drinking alcohol and taking drugs. Thousands of teenagers will receive their A-level and GCSE results over the next week and following these occasions we can often see excessive drinking or drug taking, so it is important that everyone is aware of the risks, even those who have drunk alcohol or taken drugs previously. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Parents and guardians can make the first move and talk

We are all appalled at the race-related violence and attacks that have taken place over recent days in Northern Ireland. This has no place in our society, and as an organisation which works very closely with a diverse range of groups and individuals across our communities, we are acutely aware of the fear and worry that this will cause for many people. Our work as the lead body for public health in Northern Ireland supports newcomer communities, groups working with people from a range of ethnic backgrounds, and people who are seeking asylum, and we understand the impact that the violence and

Ahead of Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 1 August, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to leave the car at home and hop on their bike to work. By switching up your daily commute and choosing to cycle you can reap many benefits for your physical and mental health, and it is also better for the environment. Gerard Walls, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Officer at the PHA, said: “Cycling to work is a great way to get moving and incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. It’s also a fun and easy method of transport, allowing you to switch off and enjoy a

Ahead of World Breastfeeding Week which starts on Thursday 1 August, Bronagh Smyth from Belfast has opened up about her breastfeeding journey with her baby Joni to help encourage other mothers to reach out for support if they need it. Bronagh said: “In that first week of breastfeeding, Joni just latched straight on and it felt like everything was very easy and I was thinking it was all plain sailing. “But after that first week, Joni’s weight wasn’t going on that well. She was gaining weight but just very slowly and at the same time I was getting quite a bit of pain. Those were a few very