Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
514. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if the currently used RSV vaccination will continue to be administered going forward for children born during the winter months of September to February; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra515. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if, following the completion of the pilot programme for the RSV vaccination, a decision has been reached to include this vaccination in the long-term national immunisation programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35819/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra516. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been reached regarding the inclusion of the RSV vaccination in the long-term national programme; if she will outline the expected timeframe for when this decision will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35820/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 514, 515 and 516 together.
Ireland's Immunisation Programme 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.
My Department has agreed the scope of the RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, which will be the same as for last 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 currently giving consideration to the findings and options set out in HIQA's recently published HTA on RSV immunisation for infant and adults, including operational and budgetary impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV Immunisation Strategy.
