Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
503. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if he has an estimated date for when the health technology assessment on the herpes zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles, will be completed. [49446/23]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). 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.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. As the Deputy is aware, 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. The HTA is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024.
