Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I want to raise an issue that has been highlighted to me by Bonniconlon ICA, a group of brilliant volunteers and community activists who have done great things in their community and continue to do so. They have highlighted, as concerned residents in Mayo, the policy on the shingles vaccine. They request its inclusion in the national vaccination programme funded by the HSE for the general population, similar to programmes in the UK and Australia. Shingles is a serious condition with potentially debilitating effects. It can lead to long-term pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. HIQA has assessed the vaccine and a decision was made that it would not be cost-effective at that time. However, preventative healthcare measures that enable older people to live healthy, active and independent lives can ultimately save the State significant long-term health costs and reduce hospital admissions. The vaccine is only available privately at present for those who can afford it, at considerable cost. The positive health benefits outweigh all upfront costs the State may incur in funding and supporting the roll-out of this vaccine. I use this opportunity today to highlight it on the Seanad floor and encourage the Minister to consider this request. I am sure it has been raised in other forums but it is something that could have a very positive health impact on our country if it were supported. I ask for the support of the House for consideration to be given by the Minister of this issue.