Immunisation against RSV has been found to be both safe and effective, but it comes with a high cost, according to HIQA.
The Health Information and Quality Authority stated that immunisation against Respiratory Syncytial Virus greatly lowers hospitalisation rates, with the most significant benefits seen in infants due to the high disease burden in this group, reports RTE.
HIQA has released a comprehensive review examining the potential expansion of immunisation in Ireland for both infants and older adults, concluding that all available immunisation options are safe and effective.
RSV is a widespread seasonal virus that affects the lungs and upper respiratory tract, reports RTE.
Each winter, more than 7,000 cases of RSV are recorded, with infants and older adults facing a higher risk of developing severe illness.
The virus leads to approximately 1,800 hospital discharges and 130 ICU admissions annually among children under the age of two, reports RTE.
Among people aged 65 and older, there are about 120 hospital discharges linked to RSV each year.
The research was commissioned by the Department of Health to guide long-term policy decisions for the Minister for Health, reports RTE.
The findings estimate that over a five-year period, vaccination costs to the HSE could range from €15.6 million for providing a maternal vaccine to pregnant women expecting during RSV season, up to €58.5 million for offering monoclonal antibody immunisation to all infants during their first RSV season.
The monoclonal antibody is priced at around €301, while the maternal vaccine costs about €165, with both figures excluding VAT. The adult vaccine is also approximately €165, excluding VAT, reports RTE.
HIQA noted there is significant uncertainty regarding the eventual cost of RSV immunisation products for the HSE, though competitive tendering could potentially lower prices.
It also estimated that vaccinating adults aged 80 and over would cost €70.6 million over five years, as this group faces the highest risk of hospitalisation and death linked to RSV, reports RTE.
For this older group, a single dose would be administered, though its effectiveness diminishes over time.
Dr MáirÃn Ryan, HIQA Deputy CEO and Director of Health Technology Assessment, said RSV places a considerable burden on vulnerable populations and presents major challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in paediatric services, reports RTE.
She added that while immunisation could ease winter hospital overcrowding and strengthen the resilience of the health system, it remains very costly.
The review indicated that more long-term data on effectiveness and safety is expected soon, which could affect the overall cost-effectiveness of RSV immunisation, reports RTE.
In 2024, the HSE launched a pilot RSV vaccination programme for newborns during the RSV season, focusing on premature babies and other high-risk infants with underlying conditions.
The RSV season typically runs from early September through to the end of February, reports RTE.
The HSE acknowledged HIQA’s findings regarding the high costs involved and emphasised the importance of securing the best possible pricing for these vaccines.
It also said preparations are underway for a third RSV immunisation programme, while a final decision on a nationwide rollout beyond winter 2026/27 is still pending from the Department of Health, reports RTE.
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