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

RSV can cause pneumonia

Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) can cause pneumonia and other serious illnesses, but having your free RSV vaccine can help protect you. You are eligible if you are 75 years old or over or are living in a care home for older people. 

Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) can cause pneumonia and other serious illnesses, but having your free RSV vaccine can help protect you.

A guide to the spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme

People aged 75 years and older, residents in a care home and those aged 6 months and older with a weakened immune system will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring. This leaflet outlines the benefits of the vaccine, potential side effec

People aged 75 years and older, residents in a care home and those aged 6 months and older with a weakened immune system will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Pharmacy campaign urges people to ‘Be UV aware’

A new campaign focusing on encouraging sun safe behaviours and raising awareness of the health impacts of over-exposure to UV radiation has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. ‘Care in the Sun’ is running throughout April and May as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is offered in 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership by the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Frances Dowds, Health Improvement Manager at the

Call to get vaccinated as RSV programme expanded

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone who is eligible for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination to get it when invited. The call comes as eligibility for the vaccine has now been expanded to include a greater number of people, helping increase protection against the virus we would like to remind those eligible that this disease can cause serious complications and would therefore urge them to come forward for vaccination when invited. From 1 April, all adults over 80 years of age are eligible for the RSV vaccination and will be invited by their GP practice to get it

Meningitis – know what to look out for

With students returning home over Easter break, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting it as an opportunity to make them aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to check that they have had their MenACWY vaccination. There is no increased risk to the population in Northern Ireland from the meningococcal disease outbreak recently reported in Kent, England. However, this incident highlights that it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and the steps to take if they are concerned, in addition to getting vaccinated against the strains

MMRV factsheet for healthcare professionals

This guidance for healthcare professionals describes the MMRV vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and varicella (Chickenpox) offered to children at 12 and 18 months of age. It describes eligibility, administration 

This guidance for healthcare professionals describes the MMRV vaccine against measles, mumps rubella (German measles) and varicella (Chickenpox) offered to children at 12 and 18 months of age.

“Get the letter and go!” – men urged to attend for potentially life-saving screening test

A man who discovered he had a potentially life-threatening condition after he went for screening has urged other men who are eligible to get the check when they are invited. Tom Martin from Helen’s Bay found out he had a small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) after attending for screening shortly after turning 65. Initially he was unsure about going until his wife convinced him it was extremely important. Tom said: “Get the letter and go! I would actively encourage men over 65, once they get the letter inviting them for screening to go. You’ve nothing to lose, and everything to gain. “One of
Subscribe to