The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has said it would not be an efficient use of HSE resources to add the shingles vaccination to the routine vaccine schedule for people over the age of 50.
HIQA carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of a shingles vaccination for adults, at the request of the Department of Health following a clinical recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).
A public consultation took place from 19 March to 30 April this year.
The HTA has been submitted as advice to the Minister for Health to inform a policy decision on whether to provide shingles vaccination as part of the adult immunisation programme in Ireland.
Dr Conor Teljeur, HIQA's Chief Scientist, said the assessment found that the shingles vaccine is safe and effective, but the benefit of the vaccine decreases over time.
He also said cost was a factor of consideration.
"We found that, at the current vaccine price, adding shingles vaccination to the routine immunisation schedule for the general population aged 50 years and older would not be an efficient use of HSE resources."
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles causes a painful, blister-like rash.
While some people experience severe symptoms or continue to experience pain for months or in some cases years, for most people symptoms normally clear up within one month.
Feedback from the public consultation highlighted the significant impact that shingles can have on individuals who experience longer-term complications.
While shingles vaccines are available in Ireland, the HSE does not currently provide free vaccination and people must pay to be vaccinated.
