Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1200. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to ensure the current tender process for season 2026/27 will go ahead; the reason she would not consider the creation of a pathfinder programme, as developed for the temporary usage of monoclonal antibody in RSV for the past two seasons (details supplied). [12698/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National 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 make recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
NIAC revise recommendations on an ongoing basis to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland, to incorporate findings from horizon scanning and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. NIAC continuously monitor global developments in the field of immunisation. The immunisation schedule, therefore, continues to be amended over time based on emerging evidence.
The HSE is responsible for the implementation of the Influenza Vaccination Programme, in line with Department of Health policy and funding, which includes procurement of the vaccine in line with EU and National Procurement rules. Every year the WHO reviews global surveillance data and recommends the specific influenza strains that manufacturers should include in that season’s vaccine based on the flu strains that are considered most likely to circulate.
The HSE will carry out a procurement process in relation to the flu vaccine specific to the flu season 2026/2027. It is understood that NIAC recommended enhanced flu vaccines will form part of the procurement process. Only when that process is complete, will it be known what vaccines will be available for the coming flu season.
