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.

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.

Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme. Further information is available here: www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/

It is open to any individual who is aged 50 years and older and who wishes to receive the vaccine to consult with their GP or pharmacist.

It may be of interest to note that the Health Information and Quality Authority are currently carrying out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. The information can cover a range of fields, including 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.

The outcome of the HTA, once it is complete, will inform future decision making on this matter in relation to whether or not any amendments are required to the National Immunisation Programme.

The Department understands that a pharmaceutical company is currently running an advertising campaign advising people over 50 to avail of the shingles vaccine.