HSE wants to build on RSV immunisation
Parents of babies born in Ireland over the next six months will be offered an RSV immunisation for their baby, it was confirmed this week.
It comes as the HSE South West is building on last winter’s RSV immunisation programme which they described as “very successful”. It was delivered to new-born babies in maternity settings and higher risk babies in the community. The programme significantly reduced infections, serious illness and hospitalisations of young infants during the 2024-2025 winter season.
This winter season HSE South West will once again offer RSV immunisation in maternity settings across Cork and Kerry to all babies born in Ireland from 1 September-28 February 2026.
Parents of babies born from September will be offered the immunisation before they leave the maternity hospital. However, this year the programme has been extended to include all babies born in Ireland, during the six-month period from 1 March-31 August 2025. Parents and guardians of these babies can book an appointment from Monday 1 September on the RSV Immunisation page of the HSE website and appointments will only be available during September.
Dr Niamh Bambury, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE South West said: “RSV is a largely seasonal respiratory illness that particularly impacts babies and infants. During the winter months, we expect to see an increase in the circulation of RSV. RSV can cause severe infection in babies and can result in hospitalisation in some cases. The RSV vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness.
“The vaccine protects babies during the critical early months when they are most vulnerable. All new born babies will be offered the RSV vaccine prior to being discharged from hospital from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2026. For all babies born from 1 March this year up to 31 August, you can book an appointment on the HSE website to receive the vaccine in the community. I would urge parents of all eligible babies to take up the offer as soon as possible.”
Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Health, Wellbeing & Strategy, HSE South West said: “Availing of the RSV vaccine gives your baby the best protection during the winter months - it prevents severe bronchiolitis, reducing the chance of illness, GP and emergency department visits. The immunisation is provided free of charge, and is being delivered by trained midwives in all maternity settings after birth; and by vaccination teams in the community for children born between 1 March and 31 August this year. Extending this programme to every eligible infant will ensure even more families benefit from this vital winter protection.”