Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1495. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if his Department will consider the roll-out of a RSV immunisation programme as has been done in Galicia, Spain; the projected costs for a roll-out of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56485/23]
View answerNIAC 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 carry out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) 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.
