Midlands HSE encouraging parents to get RSV vaccine for children

Parents in Midlands are being urged to take up a free immunisation programme which protects babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of winter.

The HSE Dublin and Midlands has launched its 2026-27 RSV Infant Immunisation Programme, and eligible babies are offered a single dose of nirsevimab to provide immediate protection against serious RSV illness.

Babies born between September 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027 will be offered the immunisation in maternity hospitals before going home, where possible. Babies born between March 1 and August 31, 2026 can receive the immunisation through participating GP practices. Eligible babies considered to be at higher risk of serious RSV illness will be offered immunisation through a specialist pathway.

The HSE is particularly encouraging parents of babies born between March and August to arrange immunisation through their GP before the RSV season starts.

RSV is a contagious winter virus which usually causes mild respiratory illness, but can cause serious infection in babies and young children, particularly during their first winter. Dr Seán Fennessy, specialist registrar in Public Health Medicine, HSE Dublin and Midlands, said the programme had already had a “positive impact” in Ireland.

More than 37,000 infants received RSV immunisation last winter, and the programme reduced RSV-related hospitalisations by 70% among babies born during the RSV season.

Across all eligible groups, infant immunisation is estimated to have prevented more than 1,000 emergency department presentations, hospitalisations and ICU admissions. The HSE said RSV immunisation can safely be given alongside routine childhood vaccinations.