Medical Experts Urge Ireland to Implement Comprehensive Adult Vaccination Programme
Medical experts in Ireland are calling for a fundamental shift in how the state approaches adult immunisation. During a recent hearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Health, specialists argued that Ireland needs a full national vaccination programme for adults that mirrors the robust systems already in place for children. The goal is to ensure healthy ageing and prevent severe complications from preventable diseases.
- Experts are advocating for a national adult vaccine strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.
- There are urgent calls to make the shingles recombinant vaccine free for those over 65.
- Research suggests that implementing four key adult vaccine programmes could prevent 1,400 deaths and over 73,700 hospitalisations.
- The current lack of an integrated strategic approach leads to gaps in coverage and inconsistent vaccine uptake.
The Case for a National Adult Programme
Professor Ronan Collins, a consultant geriatrician and stroke physician at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, described vaccination as the “greatest single medical advance in modern history.” While childhood vaccination is standard, Professor Collins told the Oireachtas Committee on Health that Ireland’s approach to adults has been “less robust.”
According to Collins, adult vaccination is a critical pillar of healthcare. It doesn’t just prevent specific infections; it’s an essential tool for ensuring healthy ageing and reducing the risk of stroke, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
The Shingles Vaccine Gap
A primary point of contention is the accessibility of the shingles recombinant vaccine (Shingrix). Currently, the vaccine is not available through the public health system; it is only available privately, costing approximately €480 for two doses.
Professor Luke O’Neill from the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute highlighted the urgency of this issue, noting that roughly one in ten older adults could develop shingles annually. Shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus, results in a painful rash and can lead to further complications. Professor O’Neill stated that making the vaccine free for those over 65 would significantly increase uptake, noting that countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, Luxembourg, and the UN (under Medicare) already provide it.
Professor O’Neill cited evidence that the vaccine may as well protect against heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential Impact and Economic Value
The necessity of these programmes is backed by a report titled “Value of Adult Vaccination in Ireland,” produced by the Office for Health Economics in the UK and commissioned by GSK. The report analyzed the potential benefits of implementing four specific programmes: influenza, pneumococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and herpes zoster (shingles).
Projected Health Outcomes
The report estimates that if these four programmes were fully implemented, the impact over a 19-year period would include:
- 1,400 deaths prevented
- 73,700+ hospitalisations avoided
- 376,000 disease cases prevented
Economic Return
Beyond health outcomes, the report suggests a significant economic advantage, estimating a return of up to €23 to society for every €1 spent by the government on these vaccinations.
Current Status of Adult Vaccines in Ireland
While some vaccines are already recommended, there is a noted absence of a comprehensive, integrated strategic approach. This often results in missed opportunities for disease prevention and inconsistent uptake across the population.
| Vaccine/Disease | Current Status/Recommendation | Proposed Expansion |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Offered to 65+ and other groups | Offer to those aged 50+ |
| Pneumococcal | Offered to 65+ and specific groups | Maintain/Optimize for 65+ |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | Private only (~€480) | Free programme for 50+ or 65+ |
| RSV | Annual programme approved for Sept 2024 | Targeted for 65+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the shingles vaccine not free in Ireland?
Currently, the shingles vaccine is not provided by the public health system and must be purchased privately. Medical experts are calling for the government to change this to increase uptake among the elderly.
What is the benefit of adult vaccination beyond preventing a specific virus?
According to Professor Ronan Collins, these programmes are essential for “healthy ageing” and can aid prevent broader health issues such as stroke, dementia, and cardiovascular disease.
Which countries already provide free shingles vaccines?
Several countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK, and Luxembourg, provide the vaccine to their citizens.
Looking Ahead
The push for a national adult vaccination strategy represents a move toward a more preventative healthcare model in Ireland. By closing the gap between childhood and adult immunisation, health experts believe the state can significantly reduce the burden on hospitals and improve the long-term quality of life for the aging population.