Public health England

Mpox: how is the UK preparing for the latest variant?

With the first cases of a new mpox strain emerging in Europe and Asia in August 2024, the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” for the second time in two years. So what is the ‘clade I’ mpox virus and what risk does it po…

Not enough evidence for use of vitamin D in prevention or treatment of COVID-19, NICE rapid guidance concludes

There is not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19, according to rapid guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.…

Chlamydia screening in pharmacies decreases by 7% in 2019 as STI rates rise

Chlamydia testing in community pharmacies fell by 7% in 2019, despite a 2% overall increase in tests carried out through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme during the year.…

National Institute for Health Protection takes over COVID-19 pandemic response from PHE

From 18 August 2020, the newly formed National Institute for Health Protection will combine the activities of Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace.…

‘Excess weight’ linked to higher risk of severe complications and death from COVID-19, PHE report concludes

People who are obese or “excessively” overweight are at an increased risk of serious complications and death from COVID-19, compared to those with a healthy weight, a report from Public Health England has concluded.…

Family of pharmacist who died from COVID-19 to bring legal claim against government

The son of Navin Shantilal Talati, a pharmacist who died from COVID-19, is bringing a legal case against the government for alleged failures in its handling of the pandemic.…

Urgent calls to revise advice on protective equipment in face of COVID-19

Pharmacy negotiators have called on Public Health England to urgently “re-examine” its advice on personal protective equipment, because further supplies of gloves, masks and aprons “will be needed” during the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Flavoured vaping liquids should not be banned, Public Health England says

A ban on flavoured e-cigarette liquids could deter smokers from switching to vaping, a report from Public Health England has concluded.…

Pharmacy reopens after deep clean amid coronavirus concerns at medical centre

A LloydsPharmacy branch has reopened after undergoing a deep clean following a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in the building.…

Jamie Waterall: ‘Pharmacy is fundamental to achieving our ambitions’

As deputy chief nurse at Public Health England, Jamie Waterall is passionate about the opportunities for pharmacy in improving the nation’s health.…