Get vaccinated against flu…. it’s not too late!

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.

HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2010: An analysis of data for the calendar year 2009

This annual analysis of data provides an overview of HIV and STI epidemiology in Northern Ireland for the calendar year 2009. Information from a variety of sources is collated and analysed in detail, while any evident trends over time are highlighted with graphs and tables. As well as a general summary of STI diagnoses and a number of overall conclusions, the report looks specifically at each of the following STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and HIV.

ENGAGEMENT CLOSED - Preconsultation to inform the production of the draft PHA Corporate plan - Deadline 3 December

*** PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOW CLOSED *** The PHA is currently collating responses from external stakeholders, groups and individuals, who may work directly or indirectly with the PHA, to several questions that will help inform the development of our longer term Corporate plan. The question template is attached below this message.

Cholera outbreak: Haiti and Dominican Republic, Hispaniola

The outbreak of cholera in Haiti, first recognised on 21 October 2010, continues to escalate. As of 14 November 2010 a total of 16,799 hospitalised cases and 1,034 deaths from cholera have been reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. It generally occurs in regions of the world where there is no clean water or adequate sewage disposal.

‘Meeting the challenge: economics and a healthier society’

A major one-day conference on 24 November will stimulate debate and reflect on action taken to reduce health inequalities. ‘Meeting the challenge: economics and a healthier society’ will focus 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.

Four decades of public health

Four decades of public health is a comprehensive history of public health in Northern Ireland from 1973-2009. The project collected an oral history from public health professionals.

PHA and Samaritans join forces on responsible reporting of suicide in the media

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has enlisted the help of Samaritans to support the media here in reporting any deaths by suicide responsibly. Research has shown that certain types of reporting of suicide can lead to vulnerable people imitating the detail they pick up in the media, resulting in further loss of life due to suicide. As a result, the PHA has engaged the Samaritans to work with the media on this issue. The Samaritans have extensive experience in the responsible reporting of this often difficult and sensitive issue.

PHA Helium statement

Helium is a colourless, odourless inert gas which has many unique properties such as low boiling point, low density and high thermic conductivity. For these reasons its most common uses are in welding, propellants for rockets and in helium-oxygen mixtures for divers.

PHA and HSCB advise on antibiotic use

On European Antibiotics Awareness Day (18 November), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are encouraging the appropriate use of antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance which is a growing problem.Antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu and therefore are of no benefit in treating viral infections and may lead to undesirable side effects, such as diarrhoea.
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