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26th August 2024
01:15pm BST
Parents of newborns born between September 2024 and February 2025 will be offered free RSV immunisation.
The immunisation will be provided to newborns in a bid to protect them from RSV.
RSV cases have been rising at a concerning rate every winter in Ireland, but experts believe nirsevimab is the best way to protect them from the virus.
According to the HSE, "You will be offered free RSV immunisation for your baby if they are born between September 2024 and February 2025.
"This immunisation is called nirsevimab. It is the best way to protect your newborn baby from RSV," the HSE added.
The immunisation will also be offered to premature babies born before 30 weeks or those who weigh less than 1.25kg at birth.
The respiratory syncytial virus is most common in Ireland during the winter months.
Many children have been admitted to hospital with the virus, especially in recent years.
It causes a respiratory infection in children and adults but can be more severe in infants or those with underlying conditions.
"The risk of severe infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season in winter," the HSE explains.
One in every two newborn babies will get RSV, with many needing medical care from their GP or emergency department.
According to stats from the HSE, four out of 100 newborns are hospitalised because of RSV. They may need special treatment in intensive care units.
The immunisation will be given to your infant as soon as they're born. It will be administered in the maternity hospital where they are born.
The HSE confirmed that nirsevimab will be administered as an injection into your newborn's leg.
Nirsevimab gives the antibodies directly to your baby and will work straight away. Your infant will be protected as soon as they're immunised.
They will only need one injection and it will protect them throughout their first winter.
The HSE stressed, "Nirsevimab does not affect other medicines or vaccines that your baby will get. It can be given at the same time as other injections."
Nirsevimab does not contain RSV and cannot cause RSV-related illness.
Your baby will be monitored following the injection but side effects are not common.
Some may experience redness of the skin where your baby got the injection, a temperature, or a rash.
