RSV infant immunisation programme begins in Ireland

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland RCPI) welcomes the new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation programme to make nirsevimab, an antibody that protects against RSV, available to all newborn babies.

The risk of severe infection from RSV is highest in young infants, especially those born during the RSV season. A new immunisation called nirsevimab is recommended to protect babies against serious illness. The immunisation is safe and effective and is recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. Nirsevimab has been approved by the European Medicines Agency.

Nirsevimab is now available through a ‘path finder’ programme introduced by the HSE in September 2024. The programme for newborn infants is being delivered in all maternity settings in Ireland. Newborn infants born between the start of September 2024 and the end of February 2025 can receive nirsevimab before they are discharged from hospital.

Nirsevimab is also recommended for some other infants under 2 years of age who are at high risk of severe RSV infection due to underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.

Read the NIAC recommendations on RSV Immunisation for infants.

More information from the HSE.