Active Retirement Ireland has addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health this week (Wednesday 15 April) as part of the charity’s push for equitable access to preventative healthcare on behalf of its more than 24,000 members and for all older people in Ireland.
Active Retirement Ireland Head of Policy and Advocacy Alison Bough, alongside Professor Rónán Collins, one of the country’s leading medical experts in geriatric and stroke medicine and National Clinical Lead for Stroke, made clear recommendations to government and policy makers in relation to the need for proper implementation of a national immunisation schedule for older people, including the vaccination of people 65+ against the shingles virus.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Bough said: “Today’s discussion showed a clear and growing recognition across all parties that prevention must be at the heart of our health system, not an afterthought. There was strong engagement from committee members, TDs and senators on the issue of equitable access and a real understanding that the current situation — where people must bear high costs privately for a recommended vaccine — is simply not sustainable.
“What was particularly encouraging was the focus on fairness and long-term thinking. This is not just about shingles, but about how our government and health service can support people to stay well, independent and connected as they age. With more than 21,000 people already backing our petition for publicly funded shingles vaccination for people aged 65 and older, the public appetite for change is no longer deniable, and we now need to see that momentum translate into public health policy.”
Read Active Retirement Ireland Head of Policy and Advocacy Alison Bough’s opening statement.
Watch the full Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health meeting on the Oireachtas TV website.