We have found that although routine shingles vaccinations are safe and effective in reducing cases, their effectiveness diminishes over time.
HIQA conducted a health technology assessment (HTA) at the request of the Department of Health following a clinical recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.
The final HTA was informed by a public consultation on the draft assessment held earlier this year.
Dr Conor Teljeur, our Chief Scientist, said the assessment found that the shingles vaccine is safe and effective, but the benefits decrease over time.
He also said cost was a factor of consideration.
“We found that, at the current vaccine price, adding shingles vaccination to the routine immunisation schedule for the general population aged 50 years and older would not be an efficient use of HSE resources.”
The health technology assessment has been submitted as advice to the Minister for Health to inform a policy decision on whether to provide shingles vaccination as part of the adult immunisation programme in Ireland.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
You can only get shingles if you have already had chickenpox.
Three out of every 10 people who have had chickenpox will go on to have shingles at some point in their life.
Shingles causes a painful, blister-like rash.
While the symptoms normally clear up within a month, some people may continue to experience pain for months, or even years after the rash heals.
Older people and people with a medical condition or taking a medicine that can weaken their immune system have a higher risk of getting shingles.
Shingles vaccines are available in Ireland but the HSE does not currently provide them free of charge.
For more information view the report here.
(Pictured at the beginning of the article: Dr Conor Teljeur, HIQA’s Chief Scientist.)