The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced plans to roll out the shingles vaccine to even more people from September 2023. This will give more older people and those with a weaker immune system protection against shingles which can be an extremely painful condition and complications can be long-lasting. The vaccine is currently only available to those 70 and over but from 1 September 2023, anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and aged 50 and over will be able to get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine. Those aged 65 and 70 on 1 September will also be able to get the vaccine, in addition to

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 often following these occasions we can 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 can make the first move and talk honestly and

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents of children who will be entering year 9 in September that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The change reflects evidence building up over recent years from a range of studies from around the world that shows that a single dose of the HPV vaccine offers robust protection that is comparable to two doses. Based on the evidence, other countries, such

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has today launched a new service for young people to improve their sexual health and wellbeing and help reduce the number of new sexually transmitted infections (STI) diagnoses in Northern Ireland. Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “The ‘C-Card Scheme’ is a confidential sexual health service for young people aged 16-25 years old. "Once registered, each young person will receive a ‘credit card-style card’ that will enable them to avail of free condoms and lubricant, information support and advice at convenient times

A new campaign focussing on the importance of childhood immunisations has been launched in pharmacies across Northern Ireland. The ‘childhood immunisation’ campaign highlights the importance of vaccination and the protection provided by the childhood immunisation programme. The campaign is running in community pharmacies throughout August and September as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community

Ahead of Cycle to Work Day on Thursday 3 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. 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 journey that is less stressful than travelling by

The ‘Childhood immunisation’ campaign highlights the importance of vaccination and the protection provided by the childhood immunisation programme. The campaign is running in community pharmacies throughout August and September as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is a community-based pharmacy service offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). The service supports you in improving your health and wellbeing by: • raising awareness of