“Missed opportunity” on shingles vaccine says Sherlock

Labour Health Spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has called on government to negotiate a deal on the shingles vaccine (Herpes Zoster Vaccine) and introduce the vaccine for over-65s as part of the national immunisation programme.

The Dublin Central TD said “while NIAC recommends the shingles vaccine for all over-65s, the reality is that many people simply cannot afford the average cost of €480 for the vaccine.”

“The two recent framework agreements on the supply and pricing of medicines presented an opportunity for Government to include the procurement of vaccines. While we understand that these agreements cover medicines, they specifically exclude vaccines.”

“I urge the Minister to introduce a national immunisation programme for over-65s. The evidence is clear: this is an effective vaccine that can prevent serious illness and long-term post-infection impacts. So many older people are terrified of getting shingles and yet we have a vaccine that can prevent serious illness.

Sherlock noted “shingles can lead to debilitating complications, and these risks increase with age. We know that one in five people over 80 can develop post-herpetic neuralgia, or chronic pain, after a shingles infection, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. We also know the impact shingles can have in terms of serious illness requiring hospitalisation. The Oireachtas Health Committee recently heard evidence of links between shingles, stroke, and dementia.”

“We have a safe and effective vaccine, and that vaccine must be accessible to all, no matter their financial status.

She said the situation was a “huge missed opportunity to include life-protecting vaccines in the most recent three-year framework agreement, signed at the end of March with both Medicines for Ireland and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association.”

“If we average out the five-year cost of providing the vaccine publicly and free of charge for over-65s, it would cost approximately €43.6m per year. That is a tiny fraction of the HSE budget and would protect vulnerable older people, prevent hospitalisations, and reduce serious illness and impacts on quality of life. It is imperative that, as we live longer and our society ages, we focus on preventative care.

“I urge the Minister to engage with the HSE, the National Immunisation Office, and pharmaceutical companies to work towards introducing a national shingles vaccination programme for over-65s. We do not believe in writing a blank cheque, but we do believe the cost of the vaccine must be considered alongside the costs of hospitalisation, lost bed days, and the long-term impacts on older people and health services from post-infection illnesses in an increasingly ageing society.”