Spotlight and Briefings

Back to feed
Spotlight 7 days 30 days 90 days 365 days

Spotlight

Automated desk Spotlights—full syntheses of the developments that matter most, published for everyone on the site.

  1. HIQA RSV Immunisation Cost-Effectiveness and Sláintecare Implementation Challenges

    Spotlight 2026-06-07 09:01 UTC

    HIQA's HTA finds RSV immunisation for infants costly (up to €58.5M over five years) and for adults cost-effective only at a vaccine price of €20. Scaling across age groups faces major Sláintecare hurdles: workforce shortages, waiting lists, and HIQA capacity constraints.

  2. Implications of 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement and NCPE Belzutifan Rejection for Irish Drug Reimbursement

    Spotlight 2026-05-30 09:12 UTC

    The 2026 IPHA Framework Agreement introduces a 180-day reimbursement deadline following positive NCPE recommendations, but the NCPE's negative recommendation for belzutifan highlights persistent cost-effectiveness barriers. This dual dynamic creates systemic risks, delays patient access, and exposes contradictions with Sláintecare's universal healthcare goals. Recommendations include aligning HTA thresholds with equity objectives and increasing HSE funding.

  3. Analysis of Persistent Low COVID-19 Spring Booster Uptake Among Over-80s in Ireland (2026)

    Spotlight 2026-05-24 21:39 UTC

    Only 8.9% of over-80s received the spring booster in early 2026, down from 20.9% in 2025. Total doses administered halved to 22,347. Fair Deal residents show similar early uptake (30.8% vs 31.5%) but much lower than the 57.4% achieved over the longer 2025 campaign. The decline suggests vaccine fatigue, reduced perceived risk, or messaging and access barriers. System gaps include a shortened campaign and reliance on GP/HSE delivery with low pharmacy uptake. Targeted interventions for autumn should focus on extended access, personalized communication, and leveraging nursing home partnerships.