Protecting your health

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) works to protect every community from infectious diseases, environmental hazards and other health threats. Find out more about UKHSA what they do and read their latest health protection blogs for advice and information.

Looking after yourself and others

Vaccination

From birth through to older age, vaccinations protect us from a wide range of infectious diseases. Getting vaccinated not only benefits your own health, but it also helps protect people in your family and community by reducing the spread of illness.

Vaccines help prevent illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, measles, whooping cough, HPV, pneumonia, shingles, and more. If you or your child have missed a vaccination, you can contact your GP to catch up.

Learn more about vaccinations on NHS Dorset’s Stay Well website.

Screening

The NHS offers a range of screening tests at different stages of life to check whether you're at higher risk of developing certain health conditions. Attending your screening appointments can help detect problems early, when treatment is often more effective, or provide information to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Some screening tests are offered to newborn babies, such as hearing and blood spot tests. Others such as breast screening or abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, are offered to older adults. There are also regular screenings for cervical cancer, bowel cancer, and diabetic eye health.

Find out more about NHS screening and why they matter on the NHS website.

Winter health

Winter can be tough on our health and wellbeing, especially for older people or those with long-term health conditions. Keeping warm, checking in on others, and getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV are important ways to stay safe. Get advice from the NHS on things you can do to keep yourself well in winter.

A cold home can make many health issues worse. Free advice on insulation and heating is available from Healthy Homes Dorset and there may be help you didn’t know you were entitled to. Get more cost of living help and information.

Colder months mean more seasonal bugs and flu, making it hard to know when to keep your child off school. Check the NHS website for guidance on when to keep them at home.

Summer health

Many people look forward to summer, but hot weather can be especially challenging for older people, young children, and others who may struggle with warmer temperatures. Staying hydrated, spending time in shade and applying sunscreen regularly are some simple steps to help prevent heat exhaustion. Get advice from the NHS on how to look after yourself and others in hot weather.

Dorset’s countryside is great for wellbeing, but tick bites are a risk, especially in warmer months. Some ticks carry Lyme disease, so it’s important to stay tick-aware while enjoying the outdoors. Find more information on ticks and Lyme disease in this UKHSA blog.

Summer often brings excitement around spending time outdoors and spotting wildlife. However, dead or injured animals and birds can pose health risks. It's important not to touch them and to report any sightings following the guidance on GOV.UK.

Preventing infections

There are simple steps we can all take to help prevent infections and stop viruses from spreading. One of the most effective is following good hygiene, especially washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water after touching animals.

If you're feeling unwell, you should try to keep your distance from others and let fresh air in by opening windows. These small actions can make a big difference. You can find more advice and tips from the UKHSA.

Not sure which health service is right for your needs? The Stay Well Dorset website can help you find the right local support.

Children and young people’s health

The UKHSA provides health protection guidance for schools and early years settings, including managing infectious diseases and seasonal advice to help keep their communities safe and healthy. Schools and early years settings can also access support and advice on looking after children before and during hot and cold weather.

Local support and reassurance

The Public Health team also have a responsibility to provide advice and make sure our local community in Dorset is protected from risks to health.