HSE South West expands winter programme to shield babies from RSV

HSE South West 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 of young infants during the 2024-2025 winter season.

Key statistics from the national 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 presenting;
  • 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 HSE South West will once again offer RSV immunisation in maternity settings across Cork and Kerry to all babies born in Ireland from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026.

This year the programme is extending to include all babies born in Ireland, during the six month period from 1st March 2025 to 31st August 2025. Parents and guardians of these babies can book an appointment from Monday 1st September on the RSV Immunisation page of the HSE website: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/ It is important to note that appointments will only be available during September. Parents and guardians are advised to book early, to ensure their child is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections this autumn/ winter season.

Parents of babies born from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026 will be offered the immunisation before they leave the maternity hospital.

Dr Niamh Bambury, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE South West said: “RSV is a largely seasonal respiratory illness that particularly impacts babies and infants. During the winter months, we expect to see an increase in the circulation of RSV. RSV can cause severe infection in babies and can result in hospitalisation in some cases. The RSV vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness. The vaccine protects babies during the critical early months when they are most vulnerable. All new born babies will be offered the RSV vaccine prior to being discharged from hospital from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026. For all babies born from the 1st March this year up to 31st August, you can book an appointment on the HSE website to receive the vaccine in the community: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/. I would urge parents of all eligible babies to take up the offer as soon as possible.”

Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Health, Wellbeing & Strategy, HSE South West said: “Availing of the RSV vaccine gives your baby the best protection during the winter months - it prevents severe bronchiolitis, reducing the chance of illness, GP and emergency department visits. The immunisation is provided free of charge, and is being delivered by trained midwives in all maternity settings after birth; and by vaccination teams in the community for children born between March 1st and August 31st this year. Extending this programme to every eligible infant will ensure even more families benefit from this vital winter protection”.