Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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90. To ask the Minister for Health whether, in response to HIQA and NIAC advice supporting the roll-out of enhanced influenza vaccines for the over-65 population, HSE officials have been given direction to negotiate with companies, if necessary, to ensure a cost effective price can be secured and enhanced influenza vaccines will for the first time be provided for older people who are more at risk each winter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64241/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Influenza Vaccination Programme provides a free flu vaccine to those most vulnerable to the effects of the flu.

In 2024, HIQA carried out a Health Technology Assessment, or HTA, on enhanced flu vaccines.

The HTA noted that studies on the effectiveness of enhanced flu vaccines are limited. Based on the limited data available, the HTA found that switching from a standard to an enhanced flu vaccine for those aged 65 and older would likely reduce the burden of flu. Whether such a switch would represent a good use of public monies would depend on the price of these enhanced vaccines compared with the standard flu vaccine.

On that basis, my department asked the HSE to commence a tender process to see if enhanced flu vaccines could be purchased at a price that was cost effective. The HSE advised that the prices quoted for the enhanced vaccines for older people did not meet the criteria set out in the HTA for net monetary benefit compared to standard flu vaccine.

The healthcare budget is finite. Decisions regarding increased spending in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system. Therefore, cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.

The introduction of an enhanced vaccine can be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness is more favourable.