Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-29
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Micheál Martin (FF), Cork South-Central

The Department of Health has agreed the scope of the RSV infant immunisation pathfinder programme for 2026-27, which will involve the same eligibility criteria in place for the 2025-26 season. A health technology assessment on RSV immunisation for infants and adults was undertaken by HIQA and was published on 28 April. HIQA stated that the assessment provides robust evidence that RSV immunisation, particularly for infants, can deliver significant health benefits and reduce winter pressures on the health service. I am in favour of vaccination programmes.
The position in terms of the adjuvanted flu vaccine was not as clear-cut. Nonetheless, the Minister is examining that as well in terms of the next winter period.
We will continue to work with HIQA and the HSE to look at the findings, the options and, obviously, the budgetary impacts. Shingrix is extraordinarily expensive, but it is effective.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-29