I am delighted to have been appointed as
@CMOIreland
. I look forward to working with colleagues in
@RoinnSlainte
and across our health & social care service to promote and protect public health & the health & wellbeing of the population of Ireland
@HealthyIreland
.
I am asking parents to please consider the flu vaccination for your child as the flu season takes off. In the recent flu season seen in Australia, 60% of hospitalisations were in children. Here in Ireland, less than 10% of eligible children have received their vaccine.
I know parents are concerned by reports of Strep A cases, but the levels we’re seeing are lower than pre-pandemic levels. Most Strep A illnesses in children are mild. If you feel your child is seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement and seek medical attention.
Loneliness has a negative impact on physical and mental health so social connections are very important. The Healthy Ireland
#HelloAgainWorld
campaign encourages older people to re-connect with others.
#SocialConnections
This week we’ve seen a record number of RSV cases in Ireland, the majority being small children and the elderly. ‘Flu cases are also rising sharply.
Protect yourself and others from winter viruses by getting your ‘flu jab.
#ForUsAll
#FluVaccine
#YourBestShot
Many of us are on the move at this time of year, catching up with family and friends. Please remember to wear your mask on public transport and in crowded places, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
#COVID19
We're seeing significant growth in 'flu cases but vaccination rates are not where they should be. I'm appealing to parents to consider the flu vaccine for their child. And don't go out when you have symptoms, even if it means missing that Christmas party.
#Fluvaccine
We are in the grip of a flu wave and we're all seeing how respiratory viruses are impacting on our hospital emergency departments. Please continue to protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated, staying home when sick and wearing masks in crowded places
#ForUsAll
#Flu
Increasing breastfeeding uptake in Ireland is a priority for me as it has many health benefits for both mum and baby. Breastfeeding mums can get assistance from lactation consultants, community groups and online services. See
#WorldBreastFeedingWeek2023
As cases of respiratory viruses continue to decline, I would like to thank you for playing your part in getting us safely through this season. Remember, vaccines save lives. You can get your COVID booster this weekend at walk-in clinics. See
#ForUsAll
As we head into winter, mask wearing, good hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilation and self-isolating if you have symptoms of
#COVID19
remain increasingly important.
#LayerUp
#ForUsAll
We appear to have passed the peak of the flu season which has been severe this year. However, we cannot become complacent as respiratory viruses continue to circulate. Continue to practice all the small but effective protective measures that will help keep us healthy
#ForUsAll
Hospitalisations for flu have reached a record high while COVID and RSV are still circulating at high levels. Protect yourself by getting your winter vaccines. Children aged 2 - 17 can get the flu vaccine at walk-in vaccination centres around the country.
#FluVaccine
#ForUsAll
This Bank Holiday weekend, we all need to take extra care to avoid spreading COVID-19 and other viruses that are currently circulating. Wash and sanitize hands regularly, cough or sneeze into your elbow, ventilate rooms and practice social distancing where possible.
Thank you to all who received vaccines last week - 78,600 COVID booster doses were administered, up from 15,000 the previous week and almost 285,000 people received their flu vaccine.
#ForUsAll
The HPV vaccine protects against 9 out of 10 cervical cancers. If you missed out on the vaccine at school, you may be eligible to get one now, free of charge, through the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme. Find out more at
#ThankYouLaura
As we mark
#WorldVentil8Day
today, take time to consider how you can improve ventilation in your home. Increasing the circulation of fresh air by opening windows can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, ‘flu and other respiratory viruses.
The best way you can protect yourself and your loved ones from
#COVID19
and other respiratory viruses like 'flu is to top-up your protection by arranging to receive your COVID-19 booster and seasonal 'flu vaccines.
#ForUsAll
It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective so there is still time to boost your child’s protection before Christmas. The flu vaccination for children is a nasal spray. It takes a couple of seconds and is available at your GP or pharmacy.
#FluVaccine
Encouraging results from today’s Healthy Ireland Survey show that the number of smokers has fallen from 23% in 2015 to 18%. One in four who attempted to quit were successful.
#HISurvey2022
It takes two weeks for your 'flu vaccine to become fully effective, so please get yours before Christmas to protect yourself and your loved ones. It's free for the over-65s, people who are vulnerable and as a nasal spray for kids aged 2 to 17.
#ForUsAll
#YourBestShot
#FluVaccine
COVID-19 continues to evolve like any other virus, and
#Eris
is one of around 50 sublineages of the Omicron variant.
Vaccines protect us, and we should continue to practice protective behaviours such as hand cleaning, respiratory etiquette and staying home when sick.
On
#InternationalWomensDay
I’d like to pay tribute to all of the wonderful women who work tirelessly every day to deliver and improve our health service. We’re making significant progress in women’s health care, and further developments are underway.
#EmbraceEquity
Strep A infection is treatable with antibiotics. Washing hands and good respiratory etiquette help prevent the transmission of the infection to others. Helpful information is available at
Today marks another positive step for population health with the publication of a new Bill designed to tackle smoking and vaping. Ireland’s smoking rate is unacceptably high at 18%, but these measures will help to reduce it, and will help prevent children from starting smoking
Inspiring and productive discussions today on the many innovative ways of improving health outcomes through intersectoral collaboration. Delighted to be joined by Minister
@1Hildegarde
Naughton and
@HealthyIreland
at the Annual Health Promotion Conference
@GalwayHPRC
As this roadmap shows, Ireland is on target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. This
#CervicalCancerPreventionWeek
I'm reminding eligible people to get their HPV vaccine at and to keep up to date with cervical screening.
#TogetherTowardsElimination
Stay well by being prepared for winter amid the current rise in
#COVID19
infection in the community.
This is a great opportunity to top-up the protection COVID-19 vaccines offer while also receiving protection from the flu virus.
Cases of COVID-19, ‘flu and RSV continue to decline, helping to ease the burden on hospitals. Our collective personal behaviours are making a difference so let’s continue our efforts to reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
#ForUsAll
Today's announcement that Ireland aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 is a positive step for population health. We must maintain high uptake of HPV vaccination and increase screening coverage. To get your HPV vaccine see
#TogetherTowardsElimination
The MMR vaccine protects your child against measles. I'm concerned about MMR vaccination levels in Ireland given the rising number of cases across Europe. See for details on the vaccine and find out more at
Vaccinations help protect us against COVID-19. I am encouraging all those who are eligible for the Spring COVID-19 booster to take this positive step to protect your health. Book your appointment with your GP or pharmacist or on
Please protect yourself and others from the respiratory viruses that are currently circulating at very high levels. Get your COVID and flu vaccines. Stay home when sick. Practice good respiratory etiquette. For walk-in clinics for kids' flu vaccines see
Washing your hands, wearing a mask, covering coughs and sneezes protects you and others against
#flu
.
Increase your protection and get your
#FluVaccine
If you are eligible for a COVID booster, you can get that at the same time.
#YourBestShot
I am concerned that uptake is not high enough for Covid vaccines and for flu vaccines in younger age groups. COVID and flu cases and hospitalisations are increasing, so please protect yourself by getting vaccinated, washing your hands and practising good respiratory etiquette.
Increasing physical activity has many benefits for our overall health and wellbeing.
#EveryMoveCounts
so check out the new Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines at
@HsehealthW
@HealthyIreland
If you have not received the MMR vaccine, please take the opportunity now to protect yourself and others from measles. The MMR vaccine is available from your GP and HSE vaccination clinics. See for more details.
@HSELive
We can all play our part to minimise the spread of respiratory viruses and reduce pressure on our hospitals. Please continue to follow the behaviours that help. Get vaccinated. Stay home when sick. Clean hands, practice good respiratory etiquette, ventilate where possible.
There has been a confirmed death of an adult in Ireland linked to measles infection. We need to prevent as many cases, serious illnesses and deaths as possible. Please get your MMR vaccine. See
Today marks 20 years since the introduction of the ban on workplace smoking. This ban has saved thousands of lives to date, but we have not been complacent, and we continue our efforts to protect our population from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products.
With kids heading back to school, now is a good time to reinforce routines like getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthy meals, as well as practising protective behaviours that minimise the spread of infections. These measures add up to a healthier school year for everyone
The flu vaccine for children age 2-17 is a nasal spray and this year for the first time it's being administered to some groups in schools. We've had a fantastic morning with pupils at Trinity Primary School in Tuam as they received their vaccines today.
#fluvaccine
Introducing health labelling on alcohol products is a significant step in increasing public awareness of the risks associated with alcohol. I'm delighted that Ireland is taking the lead on this important public health issue.
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
has signed into law the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 and the remaining provisions of Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act
Cases of measles are rising in Europe and in the UK. I’m very concerned that vaccination levels are not high enough to prevent an outbreak here. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially harmful disease, but the MMR vaccine offers protection. See
We are still seeing high levels of flu, COVID and RSV. Please stay at home when sick, and consider all the options if you need medical assistance. And remember, vaccines protect us against serious illness. See
Outdoor swimming has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health.
@HealthyIreland
funding of €500,000 announced today by
@1Hildegarde
will help improve the accessibility of outdoor swimming spots around the country.
@sportireland
Measles can cause severe illness but the MMR vaccine offers protection. Vaccination rates in Ireland are lower than optimal and the measles outbreaks we are seeing in Europe could also occur here. See
and find more info at
An estimated 300,000 people in Ireland live with a rare disease. As we mark
#RareDiseaseDay
, work continues on the development of a new National Rare Disease Plan that will underpin the development of improved care and treatment.
Reducing the spread of infection is so important for population health. This International Infection Prevention Week, let’s get back to basics and follow simple but effective protective behaviours.
#IIPW
#IIPW23
We have had 16 confirmed cases of measles, including 2 outbreaks, so far this year. Our MMR vaccination rates are not high enough to prevent the spread of this serious disease. I am reminding people: please get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.
In a significant week for public health in Ireland, we’ve achieved a world first with alcohol labelling regulations and engaged in constructive dialogue with world health leaders including
@WHO
DG
@DrTedros
and
@DrMikeRyan
at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
This
#InternationalWomensDay
I want to pay tribute to all the women who work tirelessly to deliver and improve healthcare in Ireland. Your contribution makes a valuable difference to us all, today, and every day.
I'm delighted to be able to speak to
@publichealthie
today and thank them for their significant contribution to public health across Ireland over the past 25 years
#IPH25
It was a pleasure to welcome Pierre Delsaux, DG of
@EC_HERA
to
@roinnslainte
today to discuss how Ireland and the EU can increase our collaboration in order to strengthen our approach to cross-border public health threats.
#IrelandEU50
Very productive first day of events with
@EC_HERA
delegates, including Director General Pierre Delsaux
@DonnellyStephen
@SeanFlemingTD
@dfatirl
Looking forward further engagement on the importance of strengthening our health threat preparedness.
Today I'm very pleased to host the first in-person board meeting of the European Commission’s Health Preparedness and Response Authority
@EC_HERA
. Ireland's collaboration with EU member states through HERA helps us to prepare for and respond to future health threats.
Lovely to be in Cork with Daithi and Maura on
@RTEToday
. We discussed the impact of loneliness and the
@HealthyIreland
Social Connections campaign and the importance of keeping up to date with 'flu and COVID vaccines to boost our protection against respiratory viruses.
Vaccinations help to protect us all. I encourage parents and guardians to please consider vaccinations for your child through the secondary school immunisation programme. See for details.
The Secondary school immunisation programme has started, reminding parents/guardians to read, sign & return your child’s vaccine consent form. If you have questions talk to your local school vaccination team, a trusted health & care professional or visit
The MMR vaccine protects us against measles, a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness and death. We need to increase vaccination levels in Ireland. This video describes the symptoms to watch out for and provides info on vaccination. See
Delighted to be attending the
@EPHconference
alonside
@natasha_azzmus
in the Convention Centre Dublin. This conference enables engaging conversations with our national and international public health families.
It was a privilege to welcome
@WHO_Europe
Regional Director
@hans_kluge
to
@roinnslainte
for a very engaging discussion. Ireland is committed to supporting WHO’s leadership in strengthening global architecture to improve our ability to respond to health crises.
What is
#RSV
? Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
Reminder: there are many options available if you need medical assistance, such as pharmacies and local injury units. We can all help ease pressure on hospitals by reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. Get vaccinated, stay home if sick and follow respiratory etiquette.
However, I am concerned by alcohol consumption levels. 22% of those aged 15+ are categorised as binge drinkers - drinking six or more units of alcohol in a single sitting, i.e. three or more pints of beer, six or more pub measures of spirits or 600ml or more of wine
#HISurvey2022
On
#HPVAwarenessDay
have your say in the development of an action plan to eliminate cervical cancer in Ireland by 2040 by completing this short survey. Let’s make cervical cancer a rare disease. See
Whilst enjoying time the sun this Bank Holiday weekend, it is important to stay safe.
If outdoors, remember to seek shade, cover up, wear sunglasses and sunscreen and check the UV Index to get the best protection possible.
#BeSummerReady
#SunSmart
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to our ability to treat illnesses. This World AMR Awareness Week, learn how you can help reduce this threat. Ireland has adopted the One Health approach, recognising the link between humans, animals and the ecosystem.
Today I joined the inaugural meeting of the Rare Disease Steering Group, chaired by Professor Cecily Kelleher. The group will work to deliver an effective successor to the 2014 National Rare Disease Plan, ensuring that patients and their families are central to everything we do.
Delighted to welcome Germany's Secretary of State for Health Dr Antje Draheim and colleagues to
@roinnslainte
for a three-day engagement designed to increase collaboration and shared learning as we continue our public health reform efforts.
Looking forward to speaking at today’s Health Promotion Conference
@uniofgalway
and discussing the challenges and benefits of intersectoral working to improve population health.
Flu can be a very serious illness in children, but there is an effective nasal spray vaccine. It's free for kids aged 2-17. Getting your child vaccinated means you are protecting them as well as others.
@HSELive
#FluVaccine
@HealthyIreland
is participating in the 30th European Congress on Obesity
@EASOobesity
taking place in Dublin over the next 4 days. Today’s discussions focused on the factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic and examples of interventions across Europe.
#ECO2023
Delighted to meet our valuable partners in the Health Protection Surveillance Centre
@hpscireland
and engage in productive discussions about the management of health protection issues.
Our Strategic Response to the Management of COVID-19 ensures that we are as prepared as we can reasonably be for all eventualities this winter.
The document is available here:
If you have not received the MMR vaccine, please take the opportunity now to protect yourself and others from measles. The MMR vaccine is available from your GP and HSE vaccination clinics. See for more details.
The World Health Organization recommends that 95% of the population need to be vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the measles infection in the population.
See and find more info at
This is one of the highest weekly number of vaccines administered this year and is a great testament to all of you topping up your protection.
We know that the effectiveness of
#COVID19
vaccines wanes over time.
Connecting with others is good for our health and wellbeing. I'm delighted to see the
@HealthyIreland
'Social Connections' campaign on TV from today. I'm urging older people to take that first step and reconnect. See
#HelloAgainWorld
#SocialConnections
As we head towards Easter weekend, please remain vigilant for signs of measles and ensure you are protected by getting your MMR vaccine at one of the
@HSELive
vaccination clinics at . Measles is a serious illness. MMR vaccine will protect us all.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Ireland. Today on
#NationalNoSmokingDay
I’m encouraging the 18% of the population who smoke to take that step and seek support to quit. See for the range of free supports.
The Minister for Health and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy are marking
#NationalNoSmoking
Day by praising the efforts of over 19,000 people for engaging with the HSE Quit Programme last year.
The sale of e-cigarettes to kids will be banned by Christmas, with new restrictions on the sale and advertising of these products. It's a vital move to protect population health given that the
@HealthyIreland
survey shows e-cigarette consumption is highest among young people.
Minister
@DonnellyStephen
is today welcoming the completion of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill in both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill will now be sent to Uachtarán na hÉireann for signing
Following Ireland's hosting of the last
@EC_HERA
board meeting in September, Brussels was the location this week for discussions on managing medicines shortages and anti-microbial resistance. Collaboration on these issues is crucial for Ireland's future health preparedness.