HSE extends very successful programme which protects babies from RSV in winter

The HSE is building on last winter’s very successful RSV immunisation programme which was delivered to new born babies in maternity settings and higher risk babies in the community.

The programme significantly reduced infections, serious illness and hospitalisations. 

Headline statistics from the programme include:

• almost 22,500 babies were immunised
• 83% of those offered immunisation accepted it for their babies
• among those immunised (compared to similar babies the previous year who were not immunised), there was a significant decrease in the impact of RSV, including:
  • 65% reduction in total number of cases
  • 57% reduction in cases presenting to emergency departments;
  • 76% reduction in babies requiring hospitalisation 
  • 65% reduction in babies needing intensive care due to complications of RSV

This winter season the HSE will once again offer RSV immunisation in maternity settings to all babies born in Ireland from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026 as well as extending the programme to all babies in Ireland born in the six month period from 1st March 2025 to 31st August 2025 across various community sites.

Every winter RSV infection causes hospitalisations, including some serious illness, especially among young infants says HSE National Director for Health Protection, Dr Éamonn O’Moore.

“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.

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

Parents of babies born from 1st March to 31st August can book an appointment at a local community site from Monday 25th August on RSV immunisation for babies.

It is important to note that appointments will only be available from 1st September and until first week in 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 1st September to 28th 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.

As well as protecting young babies against serious illness, the RSV immunisation programme will help safeguard vital hospital paediatric services during the very busy winter months by limiting preventable admissions caused by RSV related illness.  

“The immunisation is provided free of charge and is provided through a jab into the baby’s leg and will protect them against RSV throughout the winter. It will also help our hospitals by stopping babies getting sick with an avoidable illness.

RSV is a largely seasonal respiratory illness that can affect any age group but can be particularly impactful on very young children. RSV is a significant cause of severe respiratory illness among children under two years of age and is also the most common cause of hospital admissions due to acute respiratory illness in young children. It can cause chest infections like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) in infants and the risk is highest in children aged less than six months of age. The RSV immunisation  programme is being delivered by trained midwives in all maternity settings after birth and before the baby is discharged and by vaccination teams in the community for children born since March 1st  as well as at home for higher risk babies (including those who are premature)

“This year’s programme is a second ‘path-finder’ which will allow us to explore and analyse how best to improve health and to provide information and experience on rolling out any future programmes.  It finishes at the end of February 2026 when the winter season draws to a close and RSV levels drop naturally."