Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

Deputy Burke made some very valid points. He is right about the long-term effects of shingles and the ageing population. I thank him again for raising this important matter. He is right that we should be forward thinking. Vaccination is regarded as one of the most effective, cost-effective and successful public health interventions that exist, saving many lives every year. As has been highlighted, shingles can impact anyone who has been infected with chickenpox during their life, leaving a significant proportion of the general population vulnerable. Up to one in three people who have had chickenpox will go on to have shingles. That is why the Department requested that HIQA carry out a HTA to review the evidence for adding the shingles vaccination to the adult immunisation schedule in Ireland. It is hoped that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland can be reconsidered if and when the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as more favourable. Members will be aware that the immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the national immunisation advisory committee. The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.

To protect the public from serious outcomes of diseases, vaccines included in the national immunisation programme are administered free of charge to those in eligible at-risk groups. More generally, the Minister asked that I take this opportunity to urge all those eligible for any vaccine under the national immunisation programme, at all stages of life, to avail of the opportunity to be vaccinated. In particular, the Minister encourages all parents to bring their young infants, in line with the vaccination schedule, to the GP for their important childhood immunisations. This will help us to reach the shared objective of protecting public health by preventing the spread of disease in our community.

I will take the Deputy's remarks back to the Department and the Minister. He made valid points that should be listened to.

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