Public Health England was established in 2013 as an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. Its primary mission is to protect and enhance the health and well-being of the nation while also addressing disparities and improving general living standards across communities.

PHE has played an integral role in shaping the health landscape of the UK and has been pivotal in advocating smoking cessation and promoting less harmful alternatives like vaping. At Go Smoke Free, we’re looking at the influence of PHE on the vaping industry, highlighting key initiatives such as Stoptober and their ambitious vision for a smoke-free England by 2030.

PHE has a broad remit that covers various domains of public health, their key responsibilities include:

●    Health Protection: PHE works to protect the population from infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
●    Health Improvement: Through initiatives and campaigns, PHE seeks to improve individuals' general well-being by promoting healthier lifestyles and behaviours.
●    Healthcare Support: PHE collaborates with NHS and other organisations to improve healthcare services, emphasise prevention, and address health inequalities.

Through data analysis, research, and health campaigns, PHE informs policy decisions, guides healthcare providers, and encourages public participation in health improvement efforts.

Public Health England has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around vaping as an alternative to smoking. Recognising the significant health risks posed by smoking and the challenges associated with quitting, PHE supports evidence-based alternatives like vaping to aid in smoking cessation.

Evidence-Driven Approach

PHE's stance on vaping is grounded in rigorous scientific research. They have published several comprehensive reviews that assess the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes. Notably, their reports suggest that vaping is approximately 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes. This position supports vaping as a viable harm-reduction tool and encourages smokers seeking to quit to consider switching.

Training and Guidelines

PHE provides guidelines and training for healthcare professionals on communicating the risks and benefits of vaping to their patients. This educative approach empowers healthcare providers to confidently recommend vaping as part of a cessation strategy.

Public Health England has launched numerous initiatives targeting smoking cessation and fostering partnerships to advance public health. Two standout campaigns are Stoptober and the broader vision for a Smoke-Free England by 2030.

Despite the progression toward a healthier society, PHE’s support of vaping has not been without controversy. Criticisms and concerns have been voiced regarding the long-term effects of vaping and potential uptake among non-smoking youth.

Public Health England actively addresses these issues through research and evidence dissemination:

Youth Uptake: PHE advocates for stringent regulations to prevent youth access to vaping products while continuing to promote them as a safer alternative for adult smokers.

Long-term Effects: Ongoing studies and data collection continue to assess the long-term impact of vaping to ensure public safety and adapt policies accordingly.

By maintaining an evidence-based perspective, PHE aims to mitigate these concerns while promoting vaping as a crucial element of the smoking cessation toolkit.

Public Health England’s initiatives have significantly impacted smoking rates and public perception of vaping. The agency’s efforts are pivotal in reorienting smoking cessation strategies nationally, with a growing acceptance of vaping as an essential component of harm reduction.

Since PHE began advocating for vaping, smoking rates across the UK have significantly declined. As more smokers transition to vaping, the national health landscape continues to shift toward reduced tobacco-related harm. Looking forward, PHE remains committed to evolving its strategies based on new research findings, technological advancements, and shifts in public perception. Collaborations with academic and healthcare institutions are anticipated to enhance the understanding of vaping and further its integration into cessation practices.

At Go Smoke Free, we recognise the profound impact of PHE’s work and are dedicated to supporting smokers on their cessation journey with high-quality vaping products and expert guidance. If you’re considering making the switch to vaping, we have you covered - from disposable vapes to refillable vape kits; we have devices for all kinds of vapers. Our extensive e-liquid collection also has everything from shortfill e-liquids, high PG liquids and high VG liquids to nic-salt liquids and nicotine free liquids to choose from.