Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
434. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the reason the RSV vaccination for children cannot be purchased privately by parents for children who are outside the age bracket for immunisation but who have underlying health conditions which has already resulted in hospitalisation when the child contracts RSV; if she will make the vaccine available to people who wish to purchase it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73153/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Following on from the successful Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation pathfinder programme in 2024/2025, an expanded RSV Immunisation programme is in place throughout Winter 2025/2026. This immunisation offers protection ahead of the seasonal upsurge in infection with RSV.The risk of severe RSV infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season.The RSV Immunisation programme will offer immunisation to:
• babies born between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026;
• babies who are six months old or younger on 1 September;
• premature babies (born before 30 weeks gestation or less than 1.25kg at birth) and other higher risk infants (due to underlying medical conditions) born during RSV season.
The RSV Immunisation Programme is operated by the HSE, with immunisations being administered from 1 September 2025 in maternity hospitals to newborn babies. The catch-up aspect of the RSV infant immunisation programme has now ended.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
The primary objective of this HTA is to provide advice to my Department to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate RSV immunisation strategy for infants and adults aged 65 and older. HIQA’s assessment will assess the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for the immunisation of infants and adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. This HTA will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with these alternative strategies.
A draft report is currently available for public consultation and it is open for review and comment by the public until 20 January 2026.The outcome of the HTA will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making on the matter of RSV immunisation in Ireland.
It is open to individuals with any queries to discuss their immunisation needs with their GP.
