Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
399. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health his plans and timelines to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to examine the inclusion of chickenpox vaccine in the children’s immunisation schedule in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39460/20]
View answer400. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if the €20 million budget allocation for Healthy Ireland initiatives under the programme for Government includes funding for the inclusion of chickenpox vaccine in the children’s immunisation programme pending recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39461/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 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. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. 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. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge.
Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Primary infection with varicella results in varicella (chickenpox). Recurrent infection results in herpes zoster (shingles).
NIAC has identified the evaluation of VZV as a key priority for 2020. My Department has written to HIQA to request that it considers undertaking a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) relating to VZV vaccine in children in 2020 to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the current immunisation programme.
The HIQA recently advised that COVID-19 has impacted its work plan and anticipates that it will conduct the HTA prioritisation process in Q1 2021 and the request for a HTA of varicella zoster vaccine in children will be included in that exercise.
The allocation of funding for Healthy Ireland initiatives does not include provision for the childhood immunisation programme.
