Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 760, 761 and 762 together.

The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to vaccination. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, the programme aims to forestall, as far as possible, influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community. As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Programme the flu vaccine is available free of charge to those aged 65 and over and individuals in specified at-risk groups.

To inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department has requested that HIQA include a Health technology assessment (HTA) in its work programme, in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older. In addition, my Department has also requested that HIQA include a HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group as an at-risk group in the influenza vaccination programme.

A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.

I am advised that HIQA will commence the HTA related to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older once the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme is completed.