Medical experts call for adult national vaccine programme

Dublin – A compelling case has been made by leading medical experts for Ireland to establish a full national vaccination program for adults, drawing parallels to the existing robust childhood immunization schedules. The call, presented to the Oireachtas Health Committee, emphasizes that vaccination is a critical pillar for ensuring healthy aging and preventing a range of serious illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.

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vaccination is the greatest single medical advance in modern history.

Consultant geriatrician and stroke physician Professor Ronan Collins highlighted that while childhood vaccination programs are standard, Ireland's approach to adult immunization has been notably less comprehensive. He stressed the importance of adult vaccinations in maintaining public health and preventing costly diseases later in life.

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programmes for childhood vaccination are the norm but Ireland's approach to adult vaccination has been less robust.

A significant focus of the expert testimony was the urgent need to make the shingles vaccine freely available to those aged 65 and over. Currently, this vaccine is only accessible privately, at a substantial cost of approximately €480 for the required two doses. This financial barrier means that access is dictated by an individual's ability to pay, a situation described as inequitable by advocacy groups like Active Retirement Ireland (ARI).

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vaccination is an important pillar of healthcare to ensure healthy ageing and the prevention of cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia.

Professor Luke O'Neill of the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute provided evidence of the vaccine's high effectiveness and noted that several other countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, offer it through their public health systems. He pointed out that making the shingles vaccine free in Ireland could lead to significant cost savings for the state, potentially up to €8 million annually, by preventing shingles cases and associated complications. ARI further highlighted the disparity by noting that a short trip across the border to Northern Ireland allows access to the vaccine through a publicly funded program, underscoring the lack of equitable access within the Republic.

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around one in ten older adults could develop shingles every year.