Nine in ten Mid West newborns protected against RSV

Almost 90% of newborn babies in the Mid West received protective immunisation against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) through Ireland’s first universal newborn immunisation pilot programme, highlighting the region’s healthcare leadership in safeguarding infant health.

That’s one of the key findings of a new study from University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) in collaboration with researchers from University of Limerick and UL School of Medicine, published on June 22nd in "BMJ Open".

Led by Prof Roy Philip, consultant neonatologist, UMHL, and Adjunct Full Professor of Neonatology at UL, researchers examined uptake of nirsevimab, a long-acting antibody that helps protect babies against RSV, among infants born in the Mid West between September 2024 and February 2025.

The research team found that 89.4% of eligible newborns received nirsevimab before leaving hospital, one of the highest reported uptake rates internationally. The regional immunisation programme was delivered through UMHL, the sole maternity hospital serving Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.

RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and a major cause of hospital admission in infants. During winter months, RSV places significant pressure on GPs, emergency departments, paediatric wards and intensive care services. While some babies are at higher risk of severe infection, most RSV hospitalisations occur in otherwise healthy infants.

The findings demonstrate the success of the HSE’s RSV Pathfinder pilot programme, which offered free RSV protection to all eligible newborns before discharge from hospital.

Prof Philip said the results show what can be achieved when preventive healthcare is integrated into routine maternity services.

The research analysed data from 1,790 newborns and found consistently high uptake throughout the six-month pilot period. More than 80% of babies who received nirsevimab were immunised within four days of birth.

The study also identified important equity challenges. Uptake was lower among infants born to mothers from Irish Traveller and some other minority ethnic backgrounds, suggesting a need for targeted information and culturally appropriate engagement to ensure all families can benefit equally from future programmes.

Prof Philip said the findings provide valuable lessons for future national roll-out: “Overall uptake was exceptionally strong, and the study also highlights opportunities to improve access and communication with communities where uptake was lower. Understanding these differences is essential if we are to achieve equitable protection for all infants.”

He continued: “We acknowledge the significant role played by the Regional and National Public Health leadership in organising the timely and effective communication campaigns to improve the public awareness for RSV prevention.”

National data for the pilot programme, which ran from September 2024 and February 2025, shows significant reductions in RSV cases, ED attendances, hospital and intensive care admissions compared with the same period in 2023/24, including a 68% reduction in RSV notifications from 1,142 to 340 cases, along with reduction of 95% in hospitalisations and 65% in ICU admissions.

For families across the region, the research offers reassurance that preventive measures delivered shortly after birth can help protect babies from a common and potentially serious winter virus. It also showcases the important role played by regional maternity, neonatal, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy and research teams in delivering innovative public health programmes that improve outcomes for children and reduce pressure on health services.

Eileen Ronan, Director of Midwifery, UMHL and co-author of the paper, stated: “The immunisation programme was successful due to the commitment of the midwifery and neonatal staff in training and providing leadership” 

Prof Philip and his colleagues say their findings will help inform future RSV immunisation policy both nationally and internationally and provide a practical roadmap for achieving high uptake of newborn RSV protection programmes.