The Potential Expansion of Ireland’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme: An Evaluation

By Staff Writer

August 23, 2023

Seasonal influenza, a contagious respiratory illness, is a global health concern that can lead to serious complications, especially among vulnerable groups. The World Health Organization estimates that this disease accounts for approximately 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually worldwide. In Ireland, the Health Service Executive’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme offers a free annual influenza vaccine to certain population groups, including adults aged 65 years or older, healthcare workers, those with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and carers.

Recently, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) conducted a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) to evaluate whether the vaccination programme should be temporarily expanded for the 2023-2024 season to include individuals aged 50 to 64 years. This follows a similar temporary measure implemented for the 2021-2022 season due to the widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2.


The rapid HTA, carried out by an Evaluation Team from the HTA Directorate at HIQA, revealed that the vaccine uptake has averaged 28% in those aged 50 to 64 years over the last two influenza seasons. The team found that extending eligibility could result in a modest increase in uptake, provided it is supported by a public health information campaign. The estimated cost of this extension for the 2023-2024 influenza season is approximately €2.3 million, assuming that total uptake in this age group increases from 28% to 35%.


However, the team also noted substantial uncertainty regarding the potential costs and benefits of expanding reimbursement to this age group. Given the relatively modest number of influenza-related hospitalisations in this age group and the substantial year-on-year variability in vaccine effectiveness, the potential for a reduction in demand for hospital care is likely to be small.

Based on these findings, HIQA advises the Minister for Health and the Department of Health to consider limiting the programme extension due to an apparent trend of increasing burden with increased age. If the programme were to be extended just to those aged 60 years and older, the estimated incremental cost for 2023-2024 would be €0.68 million. If extended to those aged 55 years and older, the cost would be €1.43 million.

Should the decision be made to expand the HSE Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme, HIQA recommends enhanced data collection and public health information campaigns to empower individuals and support informed decision-making.

Reference url

Recent Posts

Novo Nordisk performance
      

Business Dynamics: How Novo Nordisk Lost GLP-1 Market Share

🚀 Understand the market dynamics of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 Market Share Decline.

A case of demand underestimation, supply chain strain, and competitor agility. Using systems thinking, we unpack the dynamic forces behind Eli Lilly’s surge—and what strategic levers pharma leaders must pull to stay ahead.

#SyenzaNews #PharmaStrategy #MarketDynamics #NovoNordisk #EliLilly #GLP1

Tolebrutinib MS analysis
          

Tolebrutinib MS Analysis: Evaluating Economic Impact in SPMS

💡 Can tolebrutinib reshape the treatment landscape for progressive multiple sclerosis?

A recent report from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review reveals promising insights on tolebrutinib, demonstrating a 31% reduction in disability progression for patients with non-relapsing secondary progressive MS. Yet, mixed outcomes and potential safety concerns raise critical questions about its long-term efficacy and market access.

Explore the nuances of this groundbreaking therapy and its implications for healthcare economics.

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #MarketAccess

allopurinol Marfan syndrome orphan
       

Allopurinol Designated an Orphan Drug for Marfan Syndrome

🌟 What does the EMA’s orphan drug designation for allopurinol mean for those impacted by Marfan syndrome?

This groundbreaking move highlights a significant step forward in tackling rare diseases, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options. Allopurinol, traditionally used for gout, shows promise in addressing life-threatening aortic complications associated with Marfan syndrome, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Dive into the implications of this development for healthcare innovation, patient access, and the future of rare disease treatment!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #Innovation #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.