Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
196. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to provide further details with respect to a review by HIQA into new studies related to the potential secondary benefits of shingles vaccination (details supplied); the status of this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority, (HIQA), has carried out a Health Technology Assessment, (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
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.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA in 2024 and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
I can confirm that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland is again being actively considered for a cohort of immunocompromised individuals, in line with NIAC advice and cognisant of the cost effectiveness of market pricing and available funding.
The recombinant zoster vaccine, (RZV, Shingrix), is licensed in Europe for the prevention of shingles and its most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia.
HIQA is aware that a number of studies have been published, since the HTA, suggesting a possible association between shingles vaccination and potential indirect benefits, such as a delay in the onset of dementia.
HIQA is undertaking a review of these studies and is considering the implications, if any, for the advice provided in relation to the cost effectiveness of shingles vaccination in Ireland. The findings of this review will assist in decision making in relation to the potential for the introduction of a shingles immunisation programme in Ireland.
