NIAC membership is voluntary, and includes people with broad expertise in areas including but not limited to, immunisation, public health, infectious diseases, and ethics. There are two lay members. 

Appointments and durations of membership are outlined in NIAC’s Standard Operating Procedures.  

NIAC Working Groups:

Where a specific topic requires additional expertise and or focused attention beyond the usual scope of Committee meetings, a Working Group may be established by the NIAC Chair. Working Groups are responsible for collection, analysis, and preparation of information for presentation to the Committee to support informed deliberations and decision making, as determined by the NIAC Chair. 

The terms of reference of NIAC are to:

• provide independent expert evidence-based recommendations and advice to the Minister for Health on immunisation and related health matters in the Irish context
• develop, update and disseminate the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland
• respond to queries from healthcare professionals and the Department of Health on matters related to immunisation
• undertake horizon scanning and monitor global developments in the field of immunisation for the prevention of infection and or disease
• advocate for best immunisation practices in Ireland.

NIAC is not a policy maker and has no regulatory function.

Information on NIAC’s governance, responsibilities and operations can be found in its Terms of Reference and Standard Operating Procedures.

• National Immunisation Office
  The National Immunisation Office provides trusted, up-to-date information about HSE immunisation programmes for children, adults and healthcare professionals in Ireland.
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
  The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides useful information on vaccines and immunisation.
• World Health Organization
  The World Health Organization (WHO) provides extensive information and resources on vaccines and immunisation.