Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
340. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce an RSV vaccine programme for older adults this winter to help minimise the impact of the tripledemic, RSV, Covid and flu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51727/23]
View answer341. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a health technology assessment for an RSV vaccine for older adults following the recent publication of a NIAC recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51728/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
NIAC has submitted advice to my Department for consideration. It advises that RSV vaccines which have recently received EMA authorisation, for infants and persons over 65yrs, are safe and effective and should be considered for use in Ireland. In its advice NIAC also noted that further analysis of cost effectiveness and programmatic considerations is required to determine the most appropriate use of RSV vaccination in Ireland.In line with this, my Department has asked HIQA to include a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in their workplan to determine firstly, whether infant or adult vaccination would provide the greatest benefit in reducing healthcare utilisation due to RSV infection, and secondly, what the most cost-effective RSV immunisation strategy for Ireland would be.The outcome of this HTA will determine whether or not a change to the National Immunisation Programme will be required.
