Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.
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ALT A group of people clinking glasses in a celebratory manner. Text reads: "Starting uni this term? Here's how to dodge 'freshers' flu' (and know when it’s something more serious)."
ALT Text graphic with a blue to green gradient background. Text reads: "Did you know? Historically known as ‘ague’, malaria was once common in the marshy areas of southern England but had largely disappeared by the 19th century." A white emblem of marsh plants appears at the bottom right.
ALT Microscopic Giardia parasites on chartreuse coloured background. The text reads: Giardia intestinalis This parasite causes giardiasis, a gastrointestinal illness spread through consumption of contaminated water or food, or through contact with infected people, including sexual contact. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, burping, wind and weight loss. If left untreated, in rare cases, children can experience significant weight loss, malnutrition and stunted growth. Image: Wikimedia Commons
ALT Investigating the Kent MenB outbreak In March 2026, a meningococcal disease outbreak in Canterbury led to 21 cases in one week. The outbreak spread unusually fast, so scientists set out to understand why.
ALT The same changes may explain why the outbreak ended The genetic changes that made this strain so problematic may also help explain why it didn’t continue to spread after the outbreak was brought under control.
ALT We can’t predict when unusual strains will emerge That’s why ongoing surveillance, vaccination and rapid public health responses remain so important.
ALT Back at university? Being vaccinated will help keep your health on track while you study, and even after you graduate. Check your records for: • 2 doses of the MMR vaccine • 1 dose of the MenACWY vaccine • 1 dose of the Td/IPV vaccine • 1 dose of the HPV vaccine Not protected? Make sure you're registered with a local GP practice, and book a catch-up appointment. Don't forget... The MenACWY vaccine does not protect you against all forms of meningitis and septicaemia, so it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and look out for your friends. Search NHS meningitis to find out more.
ALT DON’T LEAVE IT ON READ Meningitis can become serious in hours. Getting vaccinated takes minutes. Book your MenB vaccine today.
ALT Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year? pregnant women 2- and 3-year-olds (age on 31 August 2026) school aged children (from reception to year 11) people aged 65 and over people with certain long term health conditions, from 6 months to under 65s people living with somebody with a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment people sleeping rough or in hostels/shelters care home residents carers (receiving carer's allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person) frontline health and social care workers Speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist or maternity service if you're not sure if you're eligible.
ALT Did you know? More than half the people in the UK living with HIV are now over 50. Thanks to testing and treatment, people can live long, healthy lives.
ALT Did you know? The flu vaccine is updated annually to help protect against the flu viruses most likely to circulate each season.
ALT MenB vaccine. It takes two. (An image of a pair of socks) 1 Eligible for your free MenB vaccine? 2 Get your second dose at least 28 days after your first Two doses are essential for protection