Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
534. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a health technology assessment for an RSV vaccine for older adults following the recent publication of a NIAC recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53393/23]
View answer535. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will expand the regulation to permit pharmacists to administer RSV vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53394/23]
View answer536. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the number of vaccines against infectious diseases available to adults as part of a strategy to mitigate against antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53395/23]
View answer537. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a free shingles vaccination scheme for older adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53396/23]
View answer538. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce a free RSV vaccination scheme for older adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53397/23]
View answer539. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will fund any new vaccines in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53398/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 534, 535, 536, 537, 538 and 539 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
Covid-19, influenza and pneumonia vaccines are currently available to certain groups of adults, who are most vulnerable to a severe outcome from these diseases, as part of the adult immunisation programme.Additional information in relation to the current adult vaccination programme is available from the HSE website at www.hse.ie
NIAC has submitted advice in relation to RSV vaccines to my Department for consideration. It advises that RSV vaccines which have recently received EMA authorisation, for infants and persons over 65yrs, are safe and effective and should be considered for use in Ireland. In its advice NIAC also noted that further analysis of cost effectiveness and programmatic considerations is required to determine the most appropriate use of RSV vaccination in Ireland.In line with this, my Department has asked HIQA to include a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in their workplan to determine firstly, whether infant or adult vaccination would provide the greatest benefit in reducing healthcare utilisation due to RSV infection, and secondly, what the most cost-effective RSV immunisation strategy for Ireland would be.The outcome of this HTA will determine whether or not a change to the National Immunisation Programme will be required. If so, the appropriate administration arrangements will be put in place.
Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme. Further information is available here: www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/
It is open to any individual who is aged 50 years and older and who wishes to receive the vaccine to consult with their GP or pharmacist.
It may be of interest to note that the Health Information and Quality Authority are currently carrying out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. The information can cover a range of fields, including clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner.The outcome of the HTA, once it is complete, will inform future decision making on this matter in relation to whether or not any amendments are required to the National Immunisation Programme.
