Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
761. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if her Department recognises that the burden of RSV in older adults may be underestimated due to testing practices and coding limitations; the way in which this is being considered in policy development regarding RSV immunisation strategies for older adults in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland'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.
On 28 April 2026, HIQA published a Health Technology Assessment, (HTA), on Immunisation against RSV in Ireland for infants and older adults. The HTA notes that the number of recorded hospital discharges with a primary diagnoses of RSV in older adults is relatively low but has increased in recent years which is likely due to improved ascertainment arising from changes in testing practices.
My Department is currently giving full consideration to the findings and options set out in this HTA, including operational and budgetary impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV Immunisation Strategy.
