HIQA Health Technology Assessment Recommends Shingles Vaccination for Older Adults in Ireland (hiqa.ie)

• HIQA recommends shingles vaccination for adults aged 65 and immunocompromised individuals aged 18+.
• The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is effective and cost-effective.
• The HTA includes epidemiological data from Ireland and international sources.
• Implementation will require planning for vaccine supply and administration.
• Ethical considerations support equitable access.

"HIQA's health technology assessment evaluates the clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination to Ireland's adult immunisation programme. The assessment finds that the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is effective in preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults aged 50 and over, and recommends vaccination for those aged 65 and immunocompromised individuals aged 18+. The HTA provides evidence-based advice to the Minister for Health and the HSE, considering epidemiological data, economic modelling, and ethical issues."