Vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation programmes

Introduction

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to save lives and improve health, second only to clean water.

Northern Ireland offers a comprehensive vaccination programme, free for eligible individuals based on age or risk group, to protect against serious diseases.

Historically, Northern Ireland has achieved some of the highest immunisation uptake rates globally, thanks to the dedication of healthcare professionals. Maintaining this success is essential to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard public health.

Relationships and sexuality education in the community: what do we need to do next?

Public Health Agency Stakeholder Consultation Events Thursday 23rd January 2020 Belfast Central Mission, 5 Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AD 5.00pm Tuesday 28th January 2020 Silverbranch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7DH 5.00pm The aim of these events is to obtain feedback from the stakeholders regarding the provision of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programmes in the community to younger people aged 12 to 19 years. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is seeking feedback from young people, parents and community/voluntary organisations that have accessed the existing RSE

Safer sleeping advice for parents at Christmas

Ahead of the Christmas holidays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and guardians of young babies of the importance of following safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. At this time of year, with festivities and celebrations, the normal routines and sleeping arrangements for young babies may be changed. Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, said: “It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe throughout the festive period when there may be a higher chance of parents being more tired and normal routines

Button cell battery danger warning ahead of Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a pre-Christmas warning to parents and guardians about the dangers of lithium button cell batteries, which are used to power many children’s toys but are highly dangerous if accidentally swallowed. The festive period can typically see a rise in the number of these small, button-shaped batteries introduced to the home as they are contained in many toys, musical Christmas cards, remote controls and a host of other electronic items. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Young children are naturally inquisitive

Flu vaccine reminder as cases increase

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all people eligible for the free flu vaccine who have not yet been vaccinated to get it now. Flu has recently started to circulate in Northern Ireland , so people should receive the vaccine before it spreads more widely. The sooner you get it, the better protected you will be. Parents of pre-school children are urged to maximise protection for their children against flu, which can be a serious illness, by getting them the nasal spray vaccine. Those aged 65 and over, under the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women are also more

Tips on preventing falls at home this winter

The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with councils in Northern Ireland, is urging everyone to identify factors that can increase the risk of falls, and take steps to prevent them from occurring this winter. Falls can have a very serious impact, resulting in pain and injury, and in some cases even death, so it is important to take measures to help prevent them happening. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “A fall can have a huge impact on a person both mentally and physically. This can include pain, injury, distress, loss of confidence