Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1096. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns regarding the reported withdrawal or scaling back of the RSV immunisation programme for infants; whether any decision has been taken in this regard; the basis for any such decision, including any assessment undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1097. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether the broader clinical, public health and hospital capacity impacts of RSV infection in infants have been fully considered in any review of the RSV immunisation programme; the measures that are currently in place or planned to protect vulnerable infants from RSV; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1096 and 1097 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by 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.
Public health decisions around immunisation are evidence-based and are made for the wider benefit of the population.
My Department has agreed the scope of the RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, which will be the same as for the 2025/2026 season. That is, RSV immunisation will be offered to babies born in-season and infants aged 6 months old or younger at the start of the RSV season, in line with NIAC advice.
My Department is giving consideration to the findings and options set out in HIQA's recently published HTA on RSV immunisation for infants and adults, including operational and budget impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV immunisation strategy.
