Part of the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to carry out Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). In this article, Yasmin Aminou provides an overview of the process and outlines HTAs of both the RSV immunisation and COVID-19 vaccination.
HIQA is a statutory body which promotes safety and quality in the provision of health and social care services to benefit public health and welfare. They facilitate this by reporting to the Minister for Health and engaging with other relevant Ministers and government departments. Part of their responsibilities involves the carrying out of Health Technology Assessments (HTAs).
HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that uses explicit methods to collect and summarise information about a health technology (such as drugs, medical devices, diagnostics and procedures). They are performed to evaluate clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies, supporting decision-making to promote efficient use of resources and the best outcomes for patients.
An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) is a multi-disciplinary group comprised of key stakeholders relevant to the topic under assessment. They are brought together to support the HTA by providing advice and information and by conducting an expert review of the draft report.
The IPU provides community pharmacist representation on HIQA EAGs. Susan O’Donnell, an IPU Professional Services Pharmacist has been a member of the EAG for the HTA’s which have taken place on vaccination strategies, including RSV, herpes zoster (shingles) and the current COVID-19 assessment.
The September 2025 IPU Review article ‘An overview of national HTA processes in Ireland’ is available on the IPU website at the IPU Review webpage.
The following information provides an update on the most recent HTA’s within the area of vaccinations.
HIQA has recently published their HTA on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation following a request from the Department of Health. The HTA assessed the impact of immunising infants against RSV during their first RSV season as well as the vaccination of older adults.
RSV is a common seasonal viral infection that affects the lungs and upper airways. It does not usually cause serious illness, but some groups, such as infants and older people, are at increased risk of severe illness. According to HIQA, data indicates that for the period of 2018 to 2024, an average of 130 discharges arising from RSV included an ICU stay with 91 per cent being infants aged under one year. Further challenges associated with RSV include staff pressures and increased risk of hospital-acquired infection.
Within the HTA for the infant population, HIQA explored immunising just those born during the RSV season or all babies during their first RSV season. It also considered different immunisation products, that is a maternal vaccine (administered to the mother) or a monoclonal antibody (mAb) (administered to the baby). All RSV immunisation products considered were found to be safe and effective, with local and systemic events common, but serious adverse events rare. HIQA found that all of the approaches would result in significant reductions in medically attended cases and RSV-related hospitalisations in infants.
For the older adult population, RSV vaccination was also found to be safe and effective. However, the effectiveness of the vaccines, which are given as a once-off dose, wanes over time.
Advice to the Minister for Health and the HSE, arising from the HTA, outlined the prices at which the mAb and maternal vaccines would be cost-effective in the context of maternal, seasonal and catch-up strategies. They provided considerations for long-term policy decision on RSV immunisation, including campaign requirements and the need for ongoing programme evaluation. Monitored vaccination uptake in the target populations and connectivity of vaccination records are suggested to ensure best outcomes.
The final report, statement of outcomes and infographic can be found on the HIQA website at hiqa.ie > Reports and Publications > Health technology assessment of RSV immunisation.
In May 2026, HIQA began work on a HTA of COVID-19 vaccination. The request for this HTA from the Department of Health was prompted by updated clinical recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in May 2025, reflecting the evolution of the causative virus (SARS-CoV-2) from pandemic to endemic status.
This HTA will inform decision-making on possible changes to COVID-19 policy in Ireland relating to potential changes to the groups for whom COVID-19 vaccination is funded by the HSE from the 2027/28 vaccination campaign onwards. It will also outline:
The protocol for this HTA has been published and is available at hiqa.ie > Reports and Publications > COVID-19 vaccination in Ireland. It assesses economic implications and presents methods for estimating the disease burden associated with COVID-19.
A draft report will be published for public consultation before submitting a final version to the Minister for Health and the HSE.
Yasmin Aminou
4th year Pharmacy Student, Trinity College Dublin
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