Health Officials Urge Vaccination Against Winter Virus for Infants

Parents in Ireland are being strongly advised to vaccinate their infants against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a winter virus that predominantly affects babies. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced the return of its winter RSV immunisation programme following the success of last year’s initiative, which significantly reduced cases and hospitalisations among infants.

The HSE’s vaccination programme was first introduced in winter 2022, targeting newborns and those at higher risk. Data from the previous campaign indicated that almost 22,500 babies received the vaccine, with an impressive 83 percent uptake among parents. This led to a remarkable 65 percent decrease in overall RSV cases, along with a 57 percent reduction in emergency department visits, a 76 percent drop in hospitalisations, and a 65 percent decline in intensive care admissions.

RSV and Its Impact on Infants

RSV is a common viral infection that typically spreads during colder months, primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Close physical contact can also facilitate transmission. In infants and young children, RSV can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, making it one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections in this age group. For some vulnerable infants, RSV can result in hospitalization or even death.

Dr. Éamon O’Moore, National Director for Health Protection at the HSE, emphasised the importance of the immunisation programme. “Before the introduction of the programme, each winter, 4 out of every 100 infants were hospitalised due to RSV, with many requiring intensive care treatment,” he stated. He urged parents of all eligible babies to take advantage of the vaccination as soon as the programme begins in September.

This winter, the HSE will provide vaccinations in maternity units for all infants born between September 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The programme will also extend to include babies born from March 1 to August 31, who will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine at community sites.

Recognising Symptoms of RSV

Parents should be vigilant for six key symptoms indicative of an RSV infection: a cough, wheezing, a runny nose, difficulty feeding or decreased appetite, fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher), and a sore throat. These symptoms may appear sequentially rather than all at once, and not every infant will exhibit all of them.

Appointments for the vaccination can be booked online starting from August 25, with slots available between September 1 and the first week of October. For infants born during the designated September to February window, the vaccination will be automatically offered prior to their discharge from the maternity hospital.

The RSV vaccine, known as nirsevimab, is strongly recommended by both HSE experts and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. It is administered free of charge through a quick injection into the baby’s leg and is designed to provide protection throughout the winter months.

Dr. O’Moore noted that this year’s rollout will offer valuable insights into RSV prevention strategies for the future. He remarked, “As well as protecting young infants against serious illness, the RSV immunisation programme will help safeguard vital hospital paediatric services during the busy winter months by limiting preventable admissions caused by RSV-related illness.” The programme will conclude at the end of February 2026, coinciding with the natural decline in RSV levels as the winter season comes to a close.