The RSV programme has been extended

The RSV immunisation programme was rolled out last winter and has resulted in reduced infections, serious illness and hospitalisations. 

The programme was delivered to newborn babies in maternity settings, as well as higher-risk babies in the community.

The HSE confirmed that almost 22,500 babies were immunised.

83% of those offered immunisation accepted it for their babies, the HSE confirmed.

The HSE also noted a 65% reduction in babies needing intensive care due to complications of RSV, as well as a 65% reduction in the total number of cases.

This winter season, the HSE will once again offer RSV immunisation in maternity settings to all babies born in Ireland from 1^st September 2025 to 28^th February 2026.

It will also be extended to all babies in Ireland born in the six-month period from 1^st March 2025 to 31^st August 2025 across various community sites.

Every winter, RSV infection causes hospitalisations, including some serious illnesses, especially among young infants.

HSE National Director for Health Protection, Dr Éamonn O’Moore stated:

“Before the introduction of the programme, each winter, 4 out of every 100 infants were hospitalised due to RSV, with some infants needing special treatment in intensive care units.  A further 50 out of every 100 infants got RSV, and many needed medical care from their GP or the emergency department of a children’s hospital.

Dr. O'Moore added:

"I would urge parents of all eligible babies to take up the offer when the programme begins in September.” 

Parents of babies born from 1^st March to 31^st August can book an appointment at a local community site from Monday, 25th August, on the RSV Immunisation page of the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/.

Appointments will be available from September 1st until the first week of October 2025.

Parents and guardians are advised to book early to ensure their child is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections later in the autumn/winter. 

Parents of babies born from 1^st September to 28^th February 2026 will be offered the immunisation before they leave the maternity hospital.

Dr O’Moore added, “The immunisation – called nirsevimab – is strongly recommended by the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and has been approved by the European Medicines Agency. 

"Nirsevimab starts working as soon as the baby receives the injection and protects against RSV for 150 days, covering the very early period in a baby’s life when they are most vulnerable to serious RSV-related illness."

Not only will the RSV programme help protect infants, but it also lifts immense pressure from the healthcare service during the already busy winter months.

RSV causes a respiratory infection in children and adults, but it can be more severe in infants or those with underlying conditions.

It can cause chest infections like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) in infants.

Dr. O'Moore said the risk is highest in children who are less than six months old. The immunisation is provided free of charge and is administered through a jab into the baby’s leg.