The HSE has extended the RSV immunisation programme after noting a notable decrease in RSV cases in Ireland.
The RSV immunisation programme was rolled out last winter and has resulted in reduced infections, serious illness and hospitalisations.
The programme was delivered to newborn babies in maternity settings, as well as higher-risk babies in the community.
The HSE confirmed that almost 22,500 babies were immunised.
83% of those offered immunisation accepted it for their babies, the HSE confirmed.
The HSE also noted a 65% reduction in babies needing intensive care due to complications of RSV, as well as a 65% reduction in the total number of cases.
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.
Dr. O'Moore added:
"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 the RSV Immunisation page of the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/.
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."
Not only will the RSV programme help protect infants, but it also lifts immense pressure from the healthcare service during the already busy winter months.
“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 from getting sick with an avoidable illness."
RSV causes a respiratory infection in children and adults, but it can be more severe in infants or those with underlying conditions.
It can cause chest infections like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) in infants.
Dr. O'Moore said the risk is highest in children who are less than six months old.
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,” says Dr O’Moore.
