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Fast-tracking of proposals for shingles vaccine must be considered – Crowe

Written by Julie Ní Ghábhaín | 22 November 2023
NIAC has recommended an immunisation programme
 
Similar moves have been made in UK

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe is calling on the government to approve funding for a national programme for immunisation against shingles.

It comes as the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has made a recommendation for a vaccination programme to be rolled out for over 50s and over 18s at higher risk.

“I am calling on the government to look at fast-tracking proposals for a national immunisation plan for shingles,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Many adults contract shingles each year, and it can be a very sore and debilitating illness lasting many weeks for older people in particular.

“A bad bout of shingles can keep a person bedbound and significantly reduce mobility.

“In Britain, the NHS provides free vaccinations against shingles for adults, and I would love to see a similar scheme rolled out here in Ireland.

“It’s estimated that the immunisation cost would be in the region of €500 per adult and this would give 10-year immunisation against the virus.

“I think that this represents good value for money and on the basis that it provides a decade of cover against the virus, works out at around €50 per annum, per adult.

“We have seen during the Covid pandemic how the state was able to quickly and significantly ramp up vaccination, and I think the capacity layers and indeed administration of vaccination that the state acquired in those years should not be lost.

“Potentially, immunisation against shingles could be part of a suite of vaccinations given annually to Ireland’s adult population.

“Any mitigation measure that keeps people out of the acute hospital system should be viewed in a very positive light.

“At the moment, the Health Technology Assessment is underway – and I’m hoping that this now gets approval in funding.”

-ENDS-