COVID-19: What is the situation in Northern Ireland?

What is the situation in Northern Ireland? From Sunday 19 April the Department of Health will be releasing the daily statistics on coronavirus (COVID-19) which will be available at www.health-ni.gov.uk The daily update from the Department of Health replaces the Daily Bulletin published by the PHA up to 19 April 2020. The Public Health Agency COVID-19 advice page can be found here. Previous surveillance reports can be found here. Information sources As this situation is rapidly changing the most up-to-date guidance can be found on the Public Health England website: www.gov.uk/government

Festive routines may change, safe sleep shouldn’t: PHA advice for parents

As temperatures drop and routines change during the festive period, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and guardians that following safer sleep advice is essential to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. Emily Roberts, Director of Nursing at the Public Health Agency, said: "The festive period can bring extra challenges – colder weather, busier homes and alternative sleeping arrangements. While it’s natural to want to keep your baby warm and comfortable, it’s important to remember safe sleeping advice. Adding extra blankets or sharing a bed for warmth can increase risks.

This leaflet describes the vaccines given to babies up to a year old and includes the complete routine childhood immunisation schedule from January 2026. 

This leaflet is for parents of children due their vaccines aged 18 months and includes information on the complete childhod immunisation schedule from January 2026.

This poster is a visual guide to vaccines used in the childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland from January 2026 aimed at healthcare professionals.

This factsheet for healthcare professionals summarises the complete routine immunisation schedule in Northern Ireland from 1 July 2025. 

Additional information

Check the halls: home accident prevention this Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking parents and carers to be aware of the extra safety risks for children and young people across the festive season and to take steps to help ensure everyone can enjoy the excitement, decorations, and celebrations safely. Emily Roberts, Director of Nursing at the PHA, said: “No one wants any child to be placed in danger or at risk, but the reality is accidents do happen. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with five common hazards – choking, suffocation and strangulation; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and drowning – accounting for 90% of

Ready, set, Ro! Rosetta Primary School step into Christmas

Rosetta Primary School in Belfast brought festive cheer to the playground as pupils took part in The Daily Mile Santa Run, joining thousands of children across Northern Ireland and beyond for fun, fresh air, and physical activity. The event, in partnership with The Daily Mile Network Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA), Education Authority and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, encouraged schools to combine fun with fitness and highlight the benefits of being active both inside and outside the classroom. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at PHA, said: “It was