The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to mindful of the COVID-19 guidance over mid-term break. Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “After a very tough winter we are all looking forward to nicer weather and brighter days, but right now we are in a very important moment of the pandemic, after weeks of home-schooling and working from home for many of us it might be tempting to break up the monotony of everyday life but it’s essential that we don’t become complacent. “The sacrifices we have all made during this lockdown are making a difference, and infection

Lady Mary Peters has received her COVID-19 vaccine from her local GP surgery as part of the Northern Ireland vaccination programme, and has urged others to get it too when called. Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is the most important thing you can do to help protect your community against serious illness, alongside following public health advice. When enough people get vaccinated, it’s harder for a disease to spread to those who are most vulnerable. Lady Mary Peters, who is 81 years old, received her vaccine from GP Dr Andrew Dick from The Hill Medical Group Practice in Dunmurry. Lady Mary

Over 453 care homes across Northern Ireland have now received both COVID-19 vaccinations – this includes staff as well as residents who agreed to receive the vaccine. Northern Ireland was one of the first regions in UK and Ireland to roll out a vaccination programme to care homes. To date, 100% of care homes were visited and have been offered the first dose of the vaccine – 90% of care homes have been visited and offered the second dose, with work ongoing to complete the remainder as planned. This has been made possible through the close collaboration between the five Health and Social Care

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today, on World Cancer Day, highlighting the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek medical advice from their GP if they have concerns. “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival as treatment is more likely to be successful,” said Dr Louise Herron, Consultant in Service Development and Screening at the PHA. “During the COVID-19 pandemic many people may have concerns about a change they have noticed in their body, but might be hesitant to contact their GP. “However, it is important not to delay if you develop a

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging 50-64 year olds who have not yet had the free flu v accine to get it soon. The seasonal flu vaccination programme has been extended to include those over 50, which will help protect more people from flu and relieve further pressure on the health service. Dr David Irwin, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Although flu levels are much lower this year than we have seen in previous years, it is essential that we don’t become complacent. The flu virus hasn’t gone away and could re-emerge at any time, so we must treat it with the respect it

It is now clear that COVID-19 has a greater effect in older people, and those with underlying health conditions, but there are no treatments specifically available for use outside hospital settings that work against COVID-19. Right now a UK-wide clinical trial called PRINCIPLE is looking for possible treatments. PRINCIPLE is a self-enrolment research study to find treatments for COVID-19 for people in the community who are at higher risk of complications and it is being run across the UK. The Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN), which is leading the study here, is appealing for

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding the public of the importance of seeking urgent medical care if they experience any of the symptoms of stroke and that help is available for those who need medical attention. A person is at a higher risk of death or disability if they take a stroke, than from COVID-19, if not treated urgently. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention, so recognising a stroke and calling 999 is crucial. To be most effective, stroke treatments such as thrombolysis (clot dispersal) and thrombectomy (clot removal) must be provided for