As we move into spring, we want to help our patients stay healthy and protected. COVID-19 is still with us, and for those at higher risk, a “booster” dose helps top up your protection.

Who can get the spring booster?

The booster is offered to people who are most likely to get seriously ill from the virus. You are eligible if you are:

• Aged 75 or over (or if you turn 75 by 30 June 2026)
• Living in a care home for older adults
• Aged 6 months or over with a weakened immune system (for example, due to a health condition or treatment like chemotherapy)

The spring vaccination programme starts Friday 24th April 2026 from 1:45pm.

DO NOT CONTACT THE PRACTICE - WE WILL CONTACT YOU WITH AN APPOINTMENT

April is Stress Awareness month - a month to raise awareness of the causes of modern-day stresses and empowering individuals to effectively manage stress while prioritising their mental wellbeing.

Stress Awareness Month: steps to take to deal with stress | HSC Public Health Agency

NICHS | Local health charity warns of dangers of stress during Stress…

Organ and tissue donation gives the gift of life to others.  If you become an organ or tissue donor after your death, you could help save or improve the lives of up to nine people.

Since 1 June 2023, to help save more lives, the law around organ donation changed from opt-in to an opt-out system.

Whatever you decide, it is very important to talk to your family or those important to you about your organ donation decision.

Organ Donation Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland there are three Cancer screening programmes; Breast screening, Bowel Cancer Screening and Cervical Cancer screening.  Cancer Screening programmes aim to detect cancer, or risk of cancer, at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

Cancer Screening Northern Ireland | Cancer Screening Northern Ireland

Screening Programmes - Action Cancer

Five top tips for giving up smoking:

• Make a date to give up – and stick to it!
• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
• Get support from your local Stop Smoking Service. Also, let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, (and plan alternative activities for places you associate with smoking) and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
• Remind yourself that the money saved now from not smoking can be used for other things you or your family want or need.

For more information on the services available near you and useful tips to stop smoking, visit the PHA’s Stop Smoking website.