One million winter vaccines – over 500,000 each of the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine – have been delivered so far this season. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has thanked those who have chosen to get vaccinated, but warned that these respiratory illnesses still pose a risk and is urging anyone who is eligible but has not yet been vaccinated to make arrangements to do so, as it’s not too late. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “This is a really important milestone for the programme and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has received a

The Public Health Agency (PHA) in partnership with local councils is issuing advice on how you can take measures to reduce your risk of falls at home this winter. In 2020 there were 251 deaths associated with falls, out of a total of 349 accidental deaths in people aged 65+. This represents 72% of accidental (unintentional injury) deaths in that age group* in Northern Ireland. “Falls can result in pain, injury and sadly sometimes death,” Janine Gaston, Interim Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said. “It is therefore important to identify risk factors for falls and we

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has today [Monday 16 January] launched a public consultation on services for those who have been bereaved by suicide. The 12-week consultation runs until Sunday 9 April with opportunities to get involved at in-person and virtual engagement sessions or through an online survey. Fiona Teague, Head of Health Improvement at the PHA, said: “Given the impact that suicide has on families and communities, the PHA recognises how important it is to regularly review services that are in place to provide support, and how essential it is to listen to the views of people who

Flu and other respiratory illnesses are currently circulating and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. High numbers of scarlet fever, which is caused by group A streptococcus, also continue to be reported. With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering some simple advice to get us through winter and reminding everyone that hand hygiene and self-care are essential when preventing and managing winter illnesses. The PHA is urging all people eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines, who have not yet been vaccinated, to get it now and is particularly calling on

As Christmas approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental health and that of their family and friends during the holiday season. Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Many of us will be looking forward to this festive period, but f or some this can be a difficult time perhaps because of stress, bereavement, or feelings of isolation or loneliness, and with the added impact of the cost of living crisis, people may be feeling the effect on their mental health and wellbeing. So, it is as important as ever to

Christmas is nearly upon us and with many toys coming into homes in the next few weeks, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of children swallowing lithium button cell batteries. Button cell batteries are used in many toys and swallowing can cause choking, burning or poisoning and can lead to life-changing injuries or potentially death . “The festive season usually means that there will be new and pre-loved toys coming into the home and therefore a rise in the number of the small batteries which are inside many toys, musical Christmas cards, remote

As we prepare to welcome in a new year, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to make a commitment to quit smoking this new year to improve their health. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “The start of 2023 is a brilliant opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and protect people around you from harmful second-hand smoke. Quitting will also save you money which is significant as people face tough times with the cost of living crisis.” There is lots of

With the festive season upon us and as our thoughts turn to spending time with friends and families, the Public Health Agency is asking people to remember those who may have difficulties with eating, drinking and swallowing safely. Eating, Drinking and Swallowing difficulties, or Dysphagia, can affect a wide range of people and can lead to a risk of choking, or even death. It is of the utmost importance that we all remember when we are out and about this Christmas to Be Safety Aware With Food and Drink.pdf (hscni.net) When visiting a relative in their own home, a care home or in hospital this

Christmas season is in full swing — but partying, alcohol consumption and a lack of awareness about sexually transmitted infections might mean some people will end up with an unwanted festive gift. With this is mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take proactive steps to look after their sexual health and wellbeing this festive period. Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “Figures released recently show an overall increase in both testing and diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Northern Ireland. We want people to enjoy the festive period but it