Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
880. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has undertaken or commissioned any cost-effectiveness analysis comparing high-dose influenza vaccines with standard dose influenza vaccines for adults aged 65 years and over for the 2026/2027 influenza season; if so, the date on which that analysis was completed; whether it informed procurement planning for that season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16702/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra881. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has formally requested the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to review high-dose influenza vaccines since 1 January 2025; if so, the date of that request; whether a written record of the request exists; and whether any further review is currently under consideration. [16703/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 880 and 881 together.
The 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. NIAC's annual workplan aims to address as many immunisation topics as possible whilst also remaining agile to address unanticipated events. The influenza chapter of the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland is updated annually to incorporate the annual WHO recommendations for flu vaccine composition for the northern hemisphere. In 2025, the chapter was also updated to reflect the replacement of quadrivalent vaccines by trivalent vaccines. An evidence review of newer and enhanced influenza vaccines, which is a substantial piece of work was not feasible in 2025 due to competing priorities for which there were immediate clinical and operational needs. A formal review of recommendations for use of enhanced influenza vaccines was prioritised for the 2026 workplan. In January 2026, NIAC formally commenced a review of recommendations regarding the use of newer and enhanced influenza vaccines (adjuvanted, high-dose, cell-based and recombinant vaccines) in eligible populations. Work on the evidence review process will continue over the coming months and will inform the influenza season 2027/2028. I understand that no high dose influenza vaccine (HD-IIV) has been centrally authorised by the European Medicines Authority but that certain countries have authorised these vaccines at a national level. 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 expected that NIAC recommended enhanced flu vaccines will be included in this procurement process. Only when that process is complete, will it be known what vaccines will be available for the coming flu season.
