You are not alone - breastfeeding support is still available during COVID-19

COVID-19 is affecting all our lives and there is a lot we need to get used to. If you are pregnant or you have just given birth, this can be a particularly worrying time. But as we are all spending much more time in our homes, this can present a great opportunity to start and continue to breastfeed. Janet Calvert, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We know that breastfeeding mums need support and with the reduction of home visits from health professionals we want to make sure you know you are not on your own. “Breastmilk provides all the nutrients your baby

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Get vaccinated when invited for routine immunisations during COVID-19

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people who are invited for routine vaccinations to be aware that it is more important than ever to take up the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call comes during World Immunisation Week (24-30 April) which highlights the importance of vaccines in protecting society against many lethal vaccine-preventable diseases. Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Vaccines save millions of lives every year and are well recognised as being one of the most successful public health interventions in the world. “In Northern

Contact tracing to help limit second wave of coronavirus

A new contact tracing programme for Covid-19 to help examine how Northern Ireland can limit the impact of a second wave of the disease is being launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA). From Monday 27 April, the PHA will begin a pilot programme of contact tracing which will help inform the planned roll out of Northern Ireland-wide contact tracing. Dr Jackie Hyland, Health Protection Consultant at the PHA, said: “The aim of contact tracing is to identify clusters of infection and prevent further spread of Covid-19. “The contact tracing in the pilot programme will focus on priority groups

PHA tips on healthy eating and meal planning

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering tips on healthy eating and meal planning for the time ahead to spark ideas about how to eat well, keep busy and make the best use of food. There are over 80 tasty, simple recipes on the Choose to Live Better website at www .pha.site/recipes which can be easily rustled up at home to provide variety across the week. “COVID-19 is having an impact on all aspects of life and there is a lot to get used to,” said Caroline Bloomfield, the PHA’s lead on Nutrition and Healthy Eating. “People are cooking more at home and there is an increased need to plan meals

Northern Ireland to extend testing for coronavirus key workers

Access to testing for those with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be extended across Northern Ireland to include key workers who are self-isolating because they are symptomatic or because a household member is symptomatic. Expansion of testing provision across Northern Ireland is possible now with a third test centre opened in Craigavon to match those at SSE Belfast and City of Derry Rugby Club. Those eligible include: Any central government department Health and Safety Executive Those necessary to enable the critical national infrastructure to continue to operate (e.g. utility
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