Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the terms of reference given to HIQA to carry out health technology assessments related to influenza vaccines; if he will detail the proposed timelines for these assessments to be commenced and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/23]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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306. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he and his officials are taking to ensure vulnerable groups including those aged over 65 years of age have the greatest level of protection for the 2023-2024 winter flu season; if he has considered NIAC’s advice to offer an enhanced influenza vaccine for this age cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10752/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.

The National Immunisation Programme in Ireland, which includes the influenza immunisation programme, 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. NIAC make recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health.

NIAC continue 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.

For the 2022/2023 flu season, the flu vaccine is available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years. This approach ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge.

To inform decision making in relation to the immunisation programme, HIQA can be asked to carry out Health technology assessments (HTA). A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.