HSE encourages parents of eligible babies to take up free RSV immunisation ahead of winter

The HSE is encouraging parents to protect their babies against RSV this winter as the 2026-2027 RSV Infant Immunisation Programme starts from Tuesday 1 September.

Free RSV immunisation will be offered to eligible babies through maternity hospitals and participating GP practices, helping to protect them from serious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Who will be offered RSV immunisation

For the 2026-2027 programme:

• Babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027 will be offered RSV immunisation in maternity hospitals before they go home, where possible.
• Babies born between 1 March and 31 August 2026 can receive RSV immunisation through participating GP practices.
• Eligible babies at higher risk of serious RSV illness will be offered immunisation through a specialist pathway.

Dr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office, said: “RSV is very common during the autumn and winter months, but for some young babies it can cause serious illness. The RSV immunisation programme protects babies during their first autumn and winter. It protects babies immediately and the protection lasts through autumn and winter – meaning babies are protected when RSV is circulating at highest levels.

“We’ve seen the positive impact of RSV immunisation in Ireland over the last two years, helping to reduce the number of babies presenting with RSV and needing hospitalisation. International evidence shows it is over 80% effective in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections.”

Last winter, more than 37,000 infants were immunised against RSV. 88% of babies born September to February 2026 received the immunisation in maternity hospitals, and the uptake rate among high-risk infants was 100%.

The programme reduced RSV-related hospitalisations by 70% among babies born during the RSV season. Across eligible groups, infant immunisation is estimated to have averted over 1,000 ED presentations, hospitalisations and ICU admissions, significantly reducing the burden of RSV illness among infants in Ireland.

Dr Patrick Kelly of the Irish College of General Practitioners said: “We would encourage parents of babies who were born between March and August to take up the offer through participating GP practices ideally before the RSV season. RSV immunisation can be given safely alongside routine childhood vaccines, meaning parents do not need to delay their baby’s scheduled vaccinations

“Parents who have questions about RSV immunisation should speak to their healthcare professional, who can provide trusted information and advice.”

RSV is a common and highly contagious winter virus. While it usually causes mild respiratory illness, it can cause serious illness in babies and young children, particularly during their first winter.

RSV immunisation is provided through a single dose of nirsevimab, which gives babies immediate protection during the RSV season and helps protect against severe RSV infection and hospitalisation.

Find out more about RSV immunisation and eligibility.