Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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2143. To ask the Minister for Health what financial supports are available to those who are immuno-compromised to get the shingles vaccine, as advised by their medical team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19490/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As you are aware, shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme. The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) recently carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. HIQA published the HTA on 19 July 2024, which found that adding the shingles vaccine to the schedule is not cost effective and is associated with a substantial budget impact. My Department has considered its findings and determined that the introduction of the vaccine can be reconsidered when cost effectiveness is more favourable.

Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.