Getting your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccines lowers your chances of having serious complications or dying from these diseases. This is especially true for people who are at high risk of complications. The message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) is clear –if you are eligible, get vaccinated now. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “If you are at risk and in one of the eligible groups for the winter vaccines, don’t delay in getting vaccinated, as it could mean the difference between life or death this winter. “Every winter in Northern Ireland

Bath time is a fun and essential part of a child's routine, but it’s also a moment when water safety is crucial. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS UK) campaign ‘Splash Safety at Your Pad’ to help ensure all parents and guardians know how to keep their child safe while in the bath and to highlight the risks of baby bath seats. Deirdre Ward, Nurse Consultant at the PHA, said: “We know from data in England that the number of children sadly drowning in the bath has increased. Many of these tragic deaths were of children five and under, and a number

This Lung Cancer Awareness Month (November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Northern Ireland with over 1,300 people diagnosed in 2021. Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA, said: “Lung cancer is more common in people over 50, but no matter what age you are, it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as spotting it early could make a huge difference.” Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today announced the first locations for Live Better , a new initiative on addressing health inequalities. The initial phase of the programme will involve neighbourhoods in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, with the intention of expanding the approach, should it prove effective, across multiple urban and rural communities. Describing this new approach, the Minister stated: “I have been clear from the outset that I want to make a real and lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland, and in particular to reduce the unfair differences

Education Minister Paul Givan and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt opened a conference to celebrate the first year of a jointly-funded Special Educational Needs and Disability Partnership project which is delivered by the Public Health Agency (PHA). The conference showcased the work of the ‘Special School Community Partnerships’ pilot involving seven Special Schools from across Northern Ireland. The partnerships involve those working in education, health, local government, statutory agencies and the voluntary and community sector. The pilot project demonstrated the benefits of supportive and