New HSE immunisation programme to protect newborn babies against RSV
A new HSE immunisation programme to protect new born babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is now available. Babies born between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025 will be offered a new monoclonal antibody immunisation, which is the best way to protect against RSV.
RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections in young babies. Babies under three months old get sicker with RSV than older children. Each winter in Ireland one in two new born babies will get RSV and many will need medical care from their GP or the emergency department of a children’s hospital. Four out of a hundred new born babies are hospitalised due to RSV, with some babies needing special treatment in intensive care units. The RSV immunisation (Nirsevimab) is the best way to protect your baby from RSV.
From the 1st of September 2024 to the 28 February 2025 this immunisation will be offered in The National Maternity Hospital after your baby is born. Please be aware that the RSV immunisation is only available in the hospital after the birth of your baby. The hospital does not provide the RSV immunisation after you and your baby have been discharged.
For further information please see the HSE's Protect your new born baby against Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) leaflet.
For other languages, go to:
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Irish
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Ukranian
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Russian
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Romanian
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Portuguese
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Polish
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Chinese
RSV Immunisation Leaflet Arabic