HIQA recommends move to selective BCG vaccination

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published a health technology assessmenton a change to Ireland’s BCG vaccination programme.

HIQA has recommended a change from a universal to a selective national neonatal BCG vaccination strategy and advises that any change in strategy must be supported by a clear commitment to enhanced systematic and comprehensive tuberculosis (TB) control measures.

The evidence, Health technology assessment of a selective BCG vaccination programme, has been approved by the HIQA board and presented to the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar.

HIQA’s Director of Health Technology Assessment Dr Máirín Ryan said: “A recommendation to switch to a policy of selective neonatal vaccination has been made based on the best available evidence. However, this is only recommended if appropriate preventative and protective measures are in place.”

HIQA’s health technology assessment advises that sufficient resources for enhanced TB control and public awareness efforts must be provided before there is any change in national vaccination policy and strategy.