The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all pregnant women, no matter what stage of pregnancy, to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. The PHA is emphasising this message, particularly as three confirmed cases of H1N1 flu have now been identified in pregnant women, in Northern Ireland. Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health (Health Protection), PHA said: “While there are low circulating levels of flu amongst the general population, these three cases of H1N1 confirmed in pregnant women, tells us that pregnant women could be hard hit again with flu.”

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has presented a response to the findings of the All Ireland Travellers’ Health Study. Mary Black, PHA Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement, addressed an event organised in Travellers’ Focus Week and hosted by An Munia Tober, the Traveller support organisation.

The Public Health Agency is advising everyone to look after themselves and others, especially elderly, as the cold winter weather sets in. With high fuel costs and colder weather vulnerable groups such as older people find it increasingly difficult to afford to heat their home adequately. Staying warm in winterKeeping warm over winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. There are simple things you can do to keep warm and stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

‘Meeting the challenge: economics and a healthier society’ - Wednesday 24 November 2010, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey. This major one-day conference on 24 November, entitled ‘Meeting the challenge: economics and a healthier society’, stimulated debate and reflected on action taken to reduce health inequalities. The conference focused on economic development and partnership working, with delegates attending from a number of community and voluntary organisations, government departments, local councils, academic and economic institutions.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all those in ‘at risk’ groups to get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. The annual flu vaccination programme was launched in October and while so far there has been a good response to it, some people still haven’t taken up the offer. The PHA is reminding everyone that it’s not too late, it’s still important to get the vaccine and the vaccine is still available.

As World AIDS Day approaches (Dec 1) and the Public Health Agency publishes the ‘HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2010’ report, it is clear that despite headline figures showing a recent reduction in some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the overall trend over the past few years has been an increase in most STIs.