Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I thank the Minister of State for being in the House today. I think it is the first time I have addressed him since his elevation. I congratulate him. He was a great Senator when he was here and I am sure he is doing equally well as a Minister.

Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and respiratory tract. While it can affect people of all ages, older adults, particularly those over 60, face a significantly higher risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death. Across Ireland and Europe, RSV contributes to tens of thousands of hospitalisations and thousands of deaths annually in this age group. Adults with underlying health conditions such as COPD, asthma, diabetes and heart failure are especially vulnerable.

The rationale for introducing RSV vaccine for older adults is clear, to protect this high-risk population from serious lower respiratory tract infections. Clinical trials of the vaccine, like GSK's trials, have shown strong efficacy of over 80% overall and more than 90% in adults with comorbidity, alongside a favourable safety profile, with mostly mild and temporary side effects. From a cost-benefit perspective, the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, estimates that to vaccinate all adults aged 65 and over would cost approximately €146 million for the 2025-26 season. It is important to say that the vaccine has a three-term span, so that is once every three years. Targeting those aged 75 and over would cost around €76 million. While direct costs offset from reduced hospitalisation are modest, at around €1 million, the broader benefits are substantial. These include fewer severe illnesses, reduced medical complications and improved quality of life. RSV also exacerbates chronic conditions and disrupts daily activities in older adults. Vaccination could ease the burden on the healthcare system and enhance patients’ well-being. International experience supports this, with the early data showing promising reductions in hospital admissions following the vaccine. Specifically, there is research from Scotland which is absolutely astounding in respect of the reduction in hospitalisation as a result of RSV, which we heard about last week in Buswells Hotel.

In conclusion, the introduction of RSV vaccine for Irish adults over 60 is a sound public health measure despite the upfront cost. The vaccine is of strong efficacy and safety and offers potential to prevent serious illness and complications, especially in those with underlying conditions. This makes it a worthwhile investment in protecting Ireland’s ageing population. In the UK, the RSV vaccine is now available for adults between the ages of 70 and 79 or 80; I think you can get it up to one day before your 80th birthday and it is free. I inquired the other day to get the vaccine myself. Having spoken to some people in Buswells, I am totally convinced that it is a worthwhile endeavour. It would cost €235 for me to get the vaccine myself. I am anxious to hear what the Department has given the Minister to say.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections. The risk of severe infection is highest in very young infants. RSV is a seasonal virus with outbreaks typically occurring in the winter months, with the highest numbers of infections usually reported in December and January. Each winter in Ireland, one in two babies will get RSV and many will need medical care from their doctor or the emergency department of a children’s hospital. Four out of 100 babies are hospitalised due to RSV, with some babies needing special treatment in intensive care units. Following on from the successful RSV immunisation pathfinder programme, an expanded RSV immunisation programme will run throughout this coming winter. This immunisation will offer protection ahead of the seasonal upsurge in infection with RSV. Last winter, there was an estimated 57% reduction in emergency department presentations, a 76% reduction in hospitalisations and a 65% reduction in ICU admissions compared with the previous year.This highlights just how effective immunisation has been in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable.

The immunisation will be given to all babies born between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026; babies who are six months old or younger on 1 September; and premature babies and other higher risk infants born during the RSV season. I encourage every parent to take up this opportunity to protect their young child's health. High uptake not only protects individual families but will also ease pressure on the health service over the busy winter period, allowing valuable resources to be directed to where they are most required. Immunisations will be administered to newborn infants in maternity hospitals until the end of February. For infants six months and younger, the immunisation is being administered in clinics during September. Further information is available on the HSE website.

I can confirm that a health technology assessment, HTA, on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority. This health technology assessment will include advice to the Department of Health to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate strategy for immunising adults aged 65 and older. This health technology assessment will include an assessment of the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. It will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with alternative strategies. The outcome will inform future decision-making on this matter in relation to whether any amendments are required to the national immunisation programmes.

Gerard Craughwell (Independent)
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I thank the Minister of State for the results regarding children. I hear that the take-up is not as good the Minister of State and the Department would like so, like him, I would encourage parents to get their babies immunised as quickly as possible.

The last paragraph of the Minister of State's reply is the one that really counts for me. Among people over 65 years of age, an equal number, if not more, are being admitted to hospital with RSV and many of them die as a result of it. Let us hope that we get that research and advice from the Department as quickly as possible and see a roll-out for over 65s.

I thank the Minister of State for his time and for delivering the results.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective and successful public health interventions that exist. It is quite discouraging to see so many people sceptical about vaccines. There is never scepticism about a new curative drug and instead people say, "Please, we need this drug as soon as possible." With a vaccine, people are hesitant and say they do not know what is wrong with that.

When you look at the statistics, it is incredible how many lives have been saved. Cervical cancer, for example, will end because of the vaccination programme. With all the immunisation that has happened since 2010, all those young women, and then young men who started it at a later point as well, will be immunised. There are so many other examples as well.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is science based. All of this is science based. The Senator has outlined science as well. We have this national immunisation advisory committee. The recommendations are based on the prevalence of the disease and international best practice. It is vital that this be robust and fit for purpose and that is why this health technology assessment is so important. The outcome will inform the Government decision on this.

I agree with the Senator. I implore parents to get their child vaccinated if the child is eligible. We can see the hospital admissions reducing and, more importantly, children not dying, but also massive pressure on the hospital system not being there because of this. Vaccinations, in this area like so many others, have had such a positive impact. We need parents to get their child vaccinated against RSV. It will be something that their child will be grateful that their parent did.