Advice and Information
Information for healthcare and other professionals
Access the latest vaccination and immunisation guidance, schedules, programme updates, training and resources for healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland.
Overview of adult vaccinations
This page is for adults looking for information about vaccinations available in Northern Ireland.
Scarlet fever and IGAS report
Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infection in Northern Ireland monthly report. GAS are common bacteria and can be present on or in the human body, without causing infection which is known as colonisation.
Screening
Screening helps identify people who may be at higher risk of certain health conditions before symptoms develop. Early detection can improve health outcomes, support earlier treatment and, in some cases save lives.
Bowel cancer screening
Information about bowel cancer screening, including who can take part, how to complete the home test, and where to find support and answers to common questions.
Health protection situational awareness (HPSAR) report
The HPSA report provides an overview of selected surveillance metrics in the form of a situational awareness summary. Horizon scanning provides information on emerging situations that can impact public health including local, national and global events.
PHA Board
The PHA board of directors plays a crucial role in overseeing the Agency's strategic direction and ensuring that its operations align with its mission to protect and improve public health.
Lists and registers
Find our public registers here, including the PHA Board's register of interests. Some registers do not currently apply to the organisation, and this section will be updated as further information becomes available.
PHA Board documents
This page provides access to the Public Health Agency (PHA) Board meeting agendas and approved minutes.
Gastrointestinal infections
Gastrointestinal infections are infections that affect the digestive system and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. They may spread through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or poor hand hygiene. These infections can result in symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
News
MMRV catch-up programme rolled out
Following the introduction of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine into the routine childhood vaccination programme in January 2026, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents of eligible older children who have not yet had chickenpox infection or two doses of varicella vaccination to get...
Sugar risk reminder for families as one in four children in NI are living with overweight or obesity
Parents are being urged to take a closer look at the sugar content of everyday foods after figures reveal that Northern Ireland has the highest rate of Primary 1 children living with overweight and obesity in the UK.
Bowel screening now starts at age 59: don’t ignore your test kit, it could save your life
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to take up the offer of bowel screening as the programme’s age eligibility extension begins. Screening will now begin at age 59, and in line with recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee, the age to start screening will continue to be...
World Stroke Day – steps to prevention and why to act FAST
Strokes can have a significant impact on our lives and this World Stroke Day (29 October) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the preventative measures we can take and why to act FAST.
Simple actions can help you stay well this winter
Getting vaccinated, good hand hygiene and talking to your pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies for simple illnesses are just some of the ways highlighted in the ‘Stay Well this Winter’ campaign to help people prepare for the winter months.
World Menopause Day 2026: lifestyle changes can support women through menopause and beyond
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging women to take positive steps to support their health during perimenopause, menopause and later life, ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October.
Don’t put it off: attend for breast screening when invited – it could save your life
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month [October] the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone who is eligible to attend for breast screening when invited, and reminding everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Maximise COVID-19 protection for winter with vaccination
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of taking steps to help protect themselves against COVID-19. The call comes as the agency rolls out this season’s vaccination programme against the disease.
What's on your doorstep? PHA highlights local opportunities to connect, stay active and age well this October
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging older people across Northern Ireland to discover the activities, support and opportunities available on their doorstep as part of Positive Ageing Month this October.
Make Stoptober your time to quit smoking for good
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone who smokes to make this October the month they quit for good by joining Stoptober and accessing free support services available across Northern Ireland.
Publications
This report highlights the significant work undertaken across the Agency to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of health and social care services for the population of Northern Ireland. This report covers the period 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.
Frequently asked questions about the bowel cancer screening age extension, launched on November 2 2026.
This updated guidance replaces Adoption Reports: Guidance for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses and Family Nurses. (PHA, June 2026) following renewed encompass advice regarding storage of the adoption report.
This document provides guidance on data collection and reporting of vaccine uptake for staff employed in the Trusts.
Access historical annual surveillance reports on vaccine preventable diseases in Northern Ireland.
Find annual School Leavers Booster and MenACWY vaccination coverage in Northern Ireland, including the latest figures and previous reporting years.
Find annual Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination uptake data in pregnancy for Northern Ireland, including the latest figures and previous reporting years.
Find annual HPV vaccination uptake data for Northern Ireland, including the latest figures and previous reporting years.
This leaflet and poster support the MMRV Catch-up vaccination programme. This programme is for children born on or after 1 January 2020 to 31 August 2022.
The programme starts on 1 November 2026 and runs until 31 March 2028.
This leaflet and poster provide information on the risks of sudden infant death. The leaflet has also been updated to highlight the risk of co-sleeping.
Funding
Youth treatment - community based service for children and young people who are identified as having substance use issues, and their families in Northern Ireland [6013686]
The PHA wishes to inform the market that the anticipated advertisement date for this tender is November 2026. Suppliers are advised to continue checking the PHA website for updates on indicative
Workforce Development Training – Motivational Interviewing Courses [5913615]
The Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland, has published the following Tender;
Workforce Development Training – Motivational
Needle Exchange Packs and Service [6010883]
The Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland, has published the following Tender; Needle Exchange Packs and Service [6010883].
The
Bespoke Low Intensity, Evidence Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Programme for In-person Group and Online Group Delivery [5974641]
The Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland, has published the following Tender;
Bespoke Low Intensity, Evidence Based Cognitive
Tender Opportunity for the CAWT PEACEPLUS Healthier Futures Project (HFP) [HSE 28147]
Tender details:
Tender No: HSE 28147
Contracting Authority: Health Service Executive (HSE)
Theme: Obesity & Physical Activity
Name: CAWT Healthier Futures Project
Closing Date: 15th June 2026 at 12:00
Tend
Skin cancer prevention programme grant
The Public Health Agency (PHA) wishes to invite proposals for the delivery of an 18-month Skin Cancer Prevention Grant Programme.
This grant programme is intended to support the delivery of an outcomes...
Tender for the provision of a shared reading service in the NI criminal justice setting [5450119]
The Public Health Agency (PHA) wishes to tender for the following service. This procurement is for services classified under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) as Social and Other
Preliminary market engagement - Therapeutic services for families affected by problematic parental substance use [5945533]
Preliminary Market Engagement - Therapeutic Services for Families Affected by Problematic Parental Substance Use
The Business Services Organisation (BSO), Procurement and Logistic Service (PaLS), on