Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

786. To ask the Minister for Health if the health technology assessment regarding the potential inclusion of a chickenpox varicella zoster vaccine has been completed by HIQA; if his Department are taking the report into consideration in Budget 2023 discussions; if a 2023 launch of this programme is likely subject to a positive HTA report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35880/22]

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.

I can confirm that HIQA are currently carrying out a Health Technology Assessment. On completion, the outcome of the HTA will form the basis of decision making in relation to the inclusion or otherwise of the varicella vaccine in the National Immunisation programme.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

787. To ask the Minister for Health the number of times the Vaccine Alliance has met since it was established by his Department in September 2019; if he will provide the dates of these meetings and its current terms of reference; if he will outline his future intentions for the work of this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35881/22]

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

The Vaccine Alliance, chaired by the Department of Health, has met on three occasions since it was launched in late 2019. The then chair of the Alliance also convened a Vaccine Advocate Forum to offer information to organisations that had an integral role to play in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. This event took place in December 2020 and more information is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c453f-covid-19-vaccine-advocate-forum/

The initial aim of the Alliance was to raise awareness about the benefits of Ireland’s childhood vaccination programme, address vaccine hesitancy and ensure consistent messaging to stakeholders.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the Alliance shifted to include COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation relating to COVID-19 vaccines. This work was primarily undertaken by members of the Alliance taking part in HSE stakeholder events relating to COVID-19 vaccine rollout. In addition, the HSE established the COVID-19 Vaccine Community Network in February 2021 to support uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. The Department and the HSE continue to work closely together to support these groups and progress the work of the Alliance.