Authors' methods: This research was carried out in accordance with HIQA’s guidelines for the conduct of HTAs. In summary: The terms of reference for the HTA were agreed between HIQA and the Department of Health. An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) was convened comprising representation from the Department of Health, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, the National Immunisation Office, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The EAG also included clinicians with specialist expertise in infectious diseases and public health, healthcare professionals from public health and general practice nursing, representatives from relevant patient advocacy groups and methodological experts. A protocol for the work to be undertaken was reviewed by the HIQA Expert Advisory Group and published on the HIQA website. The epidemiology of varicella in Ireland was described. The technologies, that is, the vaccines authorised for vaccination against varicella, were described. Two overviews of systematic reviews were conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of varicella vaccination strategies to protect people against varicella. A rapid review was conducted to assess the most up to date international evidence on the approaches taken to the economic modelling of universal childhood varicella vaccination, and to inform the development of a de novo economic model for Ireland. An economic model was developed to estimate the cost effectiveness and budget impact of the potential introduction of universal childhood varicella vaccination in Ireland. Analyses of the organisational, social and ethical implications of the proposed introduction of a varicella vaccination programme were undertaken. The draft HTA report was reviewed by the EAG. The report was then made available for a six-week public consultation period, during which members of the general public and stakeholder organisations had the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft HTA report. Changes were made to the HTA report, as appropriate, following the public consultation. A final draft report was submitted to the Board of HIQA for approval. Following its approval, the completed assessment was submitted to the Minister for Health and the Department of Health as advice.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/hta-expansion-childhood-immunisation-schedule

URL for protocol: https://www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2022-06/HTA_Protocol_Chicken-Pox.pdf

Year Published: 2023

URL for published report: https://www.hiqa.ie/sites/default/files/2023-07/Varicella_HTA_Report.pdf

Requestor: Department of Health, Ireland

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Full HTA

Country: Ireland

Organisation Name: Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)

Contact Address: Health Information and Quality Authority, George's Court, George's Lane,Smithfield, Dublin 7. PH : + 353 (01) 814 7464

Contact Name: info@hiqa.ie

Contact Email: info@hiqa.ie