Health News
In this issue
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Improving child flu vaccine uptake to protect our most vulnerable
Childhood flu vaccinations are crucial. A quick and painless nasal spray is available, highly effective and free for eligible children aged two to 17 years. While Ireland had its most successful uptake yet when it came to childhood flu vaccines during last year’s season, it is still falling far below the national target of 50%,...
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Raising an emotionally aware generation
Supporting children’s mental wellbeing begins with helping them to understand their emotions, but it must also include supporting their mothers. As parents, we often have an internal desire to protect our children from everything, which can sometimes mean hiding our own emotions. Laura Guckian, a qualified and accredited Motherhood Coach, is passionate about educating on the...
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The HPV facts every parent in Ireland should know
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, can be difficult to discuss due to misconceptions, stigma and limited information, making clear, informed family health conversations especially crucial. Most people will come into contact with at least one type of HPV throughout their lifetime and for many, the infection clears naturally without causing harm.1 HPV rarely causes symptoms, which...
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Dealing with the constant and life-threatening reality of severe allergies
This article has been sponsored by Viatris. Viatris has provided funding support only and has had no input into the content of this piece. With food allergies rising in Ireland, school staff need mandatory training in allergy emergency care and treatment to help protect at-risk children from life-threatening anaphylaxis. If you saw someone in anaphylactic...
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Helping every child find their place in sport
The benefits of sport and physical activity extend far beyond childhood, which is why Sport Ireland is committed to investing in programmes that help children and young people build physical literacy and lifelong wellbeing. Regular physical activity provides well-documented physical and mental health benefits. For children, it promotes bone health, encourages healthy muscle growth, and...
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New immunisation programme protects babies against RSV
Babies are particularly vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as they go through their first autumn and winter. Immunisation offers protection against severe RSV illness. RSV is a common virus that causes breathing infections. Most children will get RSV at some point, but babies under six months are more likely to become seriously ill. Each winter,...
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Free HPV catch-up vaccination available to eligible students
Young people who missed the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine when it was first offered now have another opportunity to get protected through the free Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme. From September 2026, the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme is being offered to eligible boys and girls in second to fifth year of post-primary...
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How to protect your child from flu
Flu can cause serious illness in children. The best protection is the flu vaccine. The vaccine is safe, effective, free and available for all children aged two to 17. Flu is more than a cold Each year, flu season runs from October to April. This winter, all children aged two to 17 in Ireland will...
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Why women should discuss family history of cancer with their GP
Experts in the field of gynaecological oncology emphasise the importance of accurate family history, genetic testing and surgical advances in care to improve outcomes. Experts in gynaecological oncology urge individuals to be proactive in discussing family history with their GP, as early identification of genetic risks can lead to improved outcomes. Genetics influence gynaecological cancer...
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Diabetes concerns every family; governments could and should do more
Today, diabetes is a concern for every family – from the parents of children with diabetes to the relatives caring for an adult family member living with the complications of diabetes.