Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
225. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide further details on his Department’s request to HIQA to carry out two health technology assessments, one examining the cost-benefits of an enhanced vaccine for the 50–64-year-olds and the other on the >65 years cohort; if the health technology assessment into the >65 cohort will be commenced shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23349/23]
View answerTo inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department has requested that HIQA include a Health technology assessment (HTA) in its work programme, in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older. In addition, my Department has also requested that HIQA include a HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group as an at-risk group in the influenza vaccination programme.
A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding 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 to inform policy decision making.
I am advised that HIQA will commence the HTA related to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older once the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme is completed.
