The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination programme gets under way today [Monday 15 April], giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months.

This year’s spring booster will be offered to:

• adults aged 75 years old or over;
• residents in a care home for older adults;
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

The vaccines are being rolled out to eligible groups via GPs, community pharmacies and HSC Trusts.

• Community pharmacies will be visiting care homes to vaccinate eligible residents.
   
• People aged 75+ will receive an invite in due course from their GP surgery or they could enquire if the vaccine is available via a community pharmacy or HSC Trust.
   
• Immunosuppressed individuals aged 18 or over will receive their vaccination via GPs, community pharmacies and HSC Trusts.
• Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months to 17 years of age, as identified by their GP or specialist, can receive their vaccine from HSC Trusts.
   
• Housebound patients will be identified by GPs and the Trust District Nursing teams will administer vaccinations.

Did you know?? A high fibre diet seems to reduce the risk of bowel cancer and other chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Most of us don’t eat enough. Find out some top tips from a Registered Dietitian on how to increase your intake.

Scan the QR code to watch this short video on the Public Health Dietitians YouTube channel or click the link  https://youtu.be/XuJ2kxdoD-4?si=txeO2COYVwLPfJmY

A wide range of free 30 min nutrition webinars for all life stages and healthy recipe videos are available.

Watch on YouTube at http://pha.site/public-health-dietitians-youtube

In recognition of the vital role Childcare Providers offer to parents and families, Family Support NI have created a facility whereby you can update your own profile on Family Support NI.

As the Central Government Register of Childcare Providers in Northern Ireland, Family Support NI (FSNI) is the first point of contact for many parents searching for childcare.  Parents can search for childcare providers close to their postcode, and filter results to find those with current vacancies, who provide services to meet their childcare needs. 

Visit: Self-Service Portal for Childcare Providers – Available on Family Support NI – Family Support Information

The Department of Education (DE), has launched the survey on ‘Transitions Services for School Leavers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities’.

The survey was launched today on Departmental intranets and will run until 13 March 2024.  The survey can be viewed on Citizen space as follows:

• https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/de/transitions-survey.

We want to hear from as many people as possible, so please feel free to share this link to anyone you might think relevant to give their views.