Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge.

Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Primary infection with varicella results in varicella (chickenpox). Recurrent infection results in herpes zoster (shingles).

Varicella vaccination is not currently included as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

The Varicella Zoster Vaccine was proposed for a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) by my Department in December 2019. Unfortunately, HIQA's HTA prioritisation process due to complete in Q1 2020 was paused as the HTA team was diverted to provide evidence synthesis to support the work of the NPHET and associated groups

This topic was subsequently considered by HIQA during the 2021 prioritisation process and was prioritised for inclusion in the HIQA HTA work programme for 2021/2022. I can confirm that this HTA is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2022. On completion, the HTA will inform the next steps to be taken.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 893 and 894 together.

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them in the community. Immunisation not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by reducing the spread of disease. I am fully committed to improving the immunisation uptake rates in the general population and am keen to ensure that vaccines are as accessible as possible, where appropriate.

I very much appreciate the fundamental role community pharmacists play in the wider Irish Health Service in the delivery of holistic patient care and in supporting the direction of travel envisaged in Sláintecare. Currently, adult vaccinations are available either from a patient’s General Practitioner (GP), a pharmacist or in the case of Covid19, at a Covid19 vaccination centre.

Since 2011, pharmacists under the provisions of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 S.I. No. 525 of 2011, have been authorised to provide a seasonal influenza vaccination service in pharmacies, and to supply and administer adrenaline injections for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock that may arise from the administration of such vaccines. This legislation provides a framework whereby the authority to autonomously “supply and administer” specified prescription controlled medicinal products is given to pharmacists, in addition to the authority conferred in the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 to supply prescription controlled medicinal products of receipt of a prescription issued by a practitioner authorised to do so.

In 2015 the legislation was amended to permit pharmacists to “supply and administer” two additional vaccines, the pneumococcal polysaccharide and herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines. In 2020, in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic this authority was extended to allow pharmacists fully participate in the provision of vaccination services in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thereafter the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No.32/2022) added an additional herpes zoster vaccine to those which pharmacists were authorised to supply and administer.

The autonomous “supply and administration” of any vaccine by a pharmacist is subject to the completion of approved training by the pharmacist, and the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland as published and updated by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, which is the entity responsible for the regulation of pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland has produced guidance to support pharmacists in providing vaccination services in line with the legislation. It details the general requirements for providing vaccination services and additional considerations specific to the provision of each particular vaccination service. This governance framework is in place to assure trust and safety for all patients and the public on receipt of such services, and the consideration of any expansion of service will be subject to these criteria.

In relation to the Pneumococcal vaccine, NIAC have recommended the Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) for those aged over 65 years and individuals in certain at-risk groups. The Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) may also be prescribed for those in at risk groups. These vaccines are available from an individual’s GP.

I can confirm that there are no plans in place at present to review or revise the current vaccine provision arrangements.