HSE immunisation programme to protect infants and newborn babies against RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infection in children and adults. The risk of severe infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season.
Among babies in Ireland, each winter:
- 1 in 2 gets RSV - many need medical care from their GP or an emergency department (ED)
- 4 out of 100 are hospitalised due to RSV - some need special treatment in intensive care units
RSV levels are highest in Ireland during autumn and winter. Immunisation against RSV is the best way to protect your baby. This immunisation is called nirsevimab. It is a monoclonal antibody.
This year the HSE is continuing the free immunisation programme using nirsevimab to protect new born babies born in maternity units, against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Babies born between 1st September 2025 and 28th February 2026 in The National Maternity Hospital will be offered immunisation with nirsevimab shortly after birth, which is the best way to protect against RSV. 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. Babies born in the home birth setting are also eligible to receive this immunisation.
From September 2024 to February 2025, the HSE immunised almost 22,500 babies against RSV.
This resulted in a:
- 65% drop in total number of RSV cases
- 76% drop in babies requiring hospitalisation
- 65% drop in babies needing intensive care due to complications of RSV
This year the immunisation is also being offered to infants born between 1st March 2025 and 31st August 2025. If your infant was born in this time period, you can book an appointment online to have them immunised against RSV. Go to https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/. Please be aware that appointments to immunise babies born between 1st March 2025 and 31st August 2025 will only be available between the end of August 2025 to the beginning of October 2025.
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