Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
670. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific timeline which he and his Departmental officials have given to HIQA to complete its HTA regarding the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s age cohort; if he will outline the scope of this HTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30830/23]
View answer671. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to expediting the conducting of a HTA to be carried out by HIQA into the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 671 together.
The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to vaccination. The objective of the programme is to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community and to protect those most at risk from influenza-related hospital admissions.
To 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.
An 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 the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme has commenced and that the HTA related to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older will commence thereafter.
