HIQA supplies Department of Health and NPHET with rolling summaries of evidence in relation to Omicron

Date of publication:

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today published a number of reviews it submitted to the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). 

Evidence is emerging regarding many questions relating to the Omicron variant, including its transmissibility, its virulence (severity of disease), and its capacity for immune escape (that is, the risk of reinfection, and the risk of breakthrough infections in those who have been vaccinated). HIQA undertook rolling summaries of this evidence to inform policy-makers of emerging information as it was released. HIQA also performed a rolling review of public health guidance from 23 countries and international agencies to summarise their response to the Omicron variant. These reviews were provided to the Department of Health and to NPHET to help inform the public health response.

There is evidence that the Omicron variant is associated with increased transmission and greater ability to escape immunity, compared with the Delta variant. It is unclear if the severity of disease associated with Omicron is different to that caused by Delta. Even if Omicron causes less severe disease, any significant wave of infection will likely result in increased hospitalisations and deaths. International agencies have warned that Omicron is likely to cause high incidences of COVID-19 which could overwhelm healthcare systems within Europe unless action is taken. 

HIQA summarised a number of studies which suggested reduced effectiveness of existing vaccine schedules (pre booster) against Omicron. The review of international guidance highlighted that some countries are accelerating roll-out of boosters for anyone who is eligible. This review also found that most countries are reintroducing and strengthening their public health measures to mitigate the threat posed by the Omicron variant.  

HIQA’s Deputy CEO and Director of Health Technology Assessment, Dr Máirín Ryan, said: “There is an urgent need to reduce the impact of the Omicron variant in the coming weeks. We advise that the public continues to follow public health guidance, to minimise their contacts in the run-up to Christmas, to maintain physical distance when out and about and to keep up their hand hygiene and mask wearing. 

Dr Ryan continued: “Given the current high rates of infection, and the increasing threat associated with Omicron, it is important that masks are worn correctly and in all circumstances where they are recommended. Those at higher risk from COVID-19 (that is, everyone aged 60 years and older, and those with specified health conditions) are advised to wear disposable medical masks rather than cloth face coverings for their own protection. And, importantly, we encourage anyone who has the opportunity to avail of the COVID-19 booster to do so, particularly in light of the developments with the Omicron variant.”

You can find the reports here.

Ends.

Further information:

Marty Whelan, Head of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

01 814 7480/085 805 5202, mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Notes to Editor:

  • HIQA has today published the following documents to inform NPHET’s response to COVID-19:
    • Rolling review of International Public Health Guidance in relation to the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529)
    • Rolling summary of the evidence in relation to the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant
    • Advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team: Use of respirator masks by persons who are at higher risk from COVID-19
  • HIQA published the advice it provided to NPHET on the use of respirator masks, such as FFP2 or N95 masks, for groups at higher risk from COVID-19. HIQA advised NPHET to maintain the current public health guidance for mask wearing within higher risk groups, which is to wear medical disposable masks rather than cloth masks
  • The latest public health guidance can be found here
  • HIQA’s COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team provides evidence reports and evidence-based advice to NPHET to inform public health policy, advice and practice in the context of COVID-19. HIQA’s advice is informed by research evidence developed by HIQA’s COVID-19 Evidence Synthesis Team.
  • HIQA’s advice to NPHET is developed with expert input from HIQA’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group. HIQA’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Group is a multidisciplinary group, comprising nominated representatives from the relevant public health and clinical specialties, methodology experts, and public representation. The topics HIQA researches are outlined and prioritised by NPHET to ensure rapid access to the best available evidence relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.