On Tuesday, 13th August, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published its rapid health technology assessment (HTA) of immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Ireland. This rapid HTA has been submitted as advice to the Minister for Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to inform an interim policy decision on the most appropriate RSV immunisation strategy for the 2025-2026 RSV season. In particular, HIQA’s assessment looked at the one-year costs for the HSE of different immunisation strategies involving infants aged less than one year and for adults aged 65 and older.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and upper airways and is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or breathing. This virus spreads every winter, with the RSV season in Ireland typically running from October to March.
Offering an RSV vaccine to everyone aged 65 years and older was estimated to cost €146 million, while it would cost over €76 million if only offered to those aged 75 years and older. The potential for cost offsets in older adults was noted to be low as there are relatively few confirmed hospitalisations for RSV in this age group. The analysis highlighted substantial uncertainty in relation to these one-year costs.
For the full report, plain language summary and inforgraphic, please click here.
