Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
230. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his Department's request to HIQA to carry out a health technology assessment examining the cost benefits of an enhanced vaccine for the over 65s; when the health technology assessment will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50343/23]
View answerThe 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.
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 the target completion date for this HTA is in Q3 of 2024.
