Health Minister Simon Hamilton today published the new research and development (R&D) strategy for the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector. With investment of over £10million annually, the new strategy aims to enhance the health, wellbeing and prosperity of people in Northern Ireland through world renowned research and development.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is again reminding people in “at risk” groups and others who are eligible, to get the winter flu vaccine, with a warning about the deadly dangers associated with catching the flu. As in previous years, influenza H1N1 (often known as "swine flu") is one of the strains of flu circulating this flu season, but it is covered by the free vaccine which is being offered.

To mark one month to go before Northern Ireland’s health and social care sites go smoke free, Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and Public Health Agency (PHA) Chief Executive Dr Eddie Rooney have demolished a smoking shelter at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, which will be replaced by a bike shelter.

Shingles can be very painful and in some cases cause serious complications. That’s why the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding all those eligible to get the free shingles vaccine if they haven’t done so already. The vaccine will help protect against this common and painful skin disease and its associated complications.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising pregnant women, and those planning pregnancy, to consider avoiding travel to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are reported. Zika outbreaks have been reported in a number of countries in central and south America and all travellers to the affected countries should ensure they seek travel health advice from their GP or a travel clinic well in advance of their trip.