Call for free shingles vaccine

Fianna Fáil's Clifford Kelly has called for the introduction of a free national shingles vaccination programme for people over 50, arguing that the current system leaves many older people unable to afford protection against the painful disease.

Speaking at a meeting of Cavan County Council, Clifford Kelly of Fianna Fáil urged greater engagement with Department of Health (Ireland) to expand access to the vaccine.

Ireland’s immunisation policy follows guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), which considers disease prevalence in Ireland as well as international best practice. Current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for people aged 65 and older, as well as adults aged 18 and over who are at increased risk.

However, the vaccine is not currently included in Ireland’s national immunisation programme, meaning people must pay privately for it - a cost Cllr Kelly said can reach around €500.

By contrast, he noted that in England the vaccine is available free of charge through the National Health Service for people aged 55 and over.

Cllr Kelly said the issue was personal for him, having contracted shingles twice.

“It’s a very difficult time for anyone,” he told the meeting, adding that he knows several people who have never fully recovered from the symptoms.

“There is an onus on the Department of Health to ensure proper healthcare is afforded to everyone,” he said, noting that he had been fortunate not to experience long-term complications himself.

The motion was seconded by the Cathaoirleach of the council, John Paul Feeley, also of Fianna Fáil, who said the issue had previously been raised at the HSE North East Regional Health Forum.

He said a report commissioned by the Department of Health examined the cost-effectiveness, budget impact and wider social and ethical implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.

That assessment concluded that vaccinating all adults aged 65 and over would not be cost-effective at the current vaccine price.

However, Cllr Feeley said the health technology assessment found the vaccine could become cost-effective for people aged 75 and 80 if the price fell by around 80%.

He also highlighted what he described as an unfair cross-border disparity, noting that residents in Blacklion can see people living just across the bridge in Belcoo receiving the vaccine free of charge.

“It has to be looked at again,” he said.

The motion received wider backing from councillors, including Patricia Walsh of Fianna Fáil, who said: “No one realises how serious it is until they get it.”

Meanwhile T.P. O'Reilly of Fine Gael said differences in vaccine access often come down to how medicines are priced internationally, based on factors such as affordability, purchasing power and socioeconomic circumstances.

“It’s a major factor,” he said.