HSE Urges Donegal Parents to Vaccinate Infants Against RSV

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is calling on parents in Donegal to ensure their infants receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, starting September 1, 2025. This year marks the first time the vaccine will be offered in community settings, targeting infants born between March 1 and August 31, 2025.

RSV is a significant seasonal respiratory illness that can severely impact young children, particularly those under two years of age. Dr. Anthony Breslin emphasized that vaccination rates in North Donegal have traditionally lagged behind other areas, and he urges parents to take advantage of this program to protect their children.

Details of the Vaccination Program

Building on the successes of last winter’s RSV immunization program, which was administered in maternity hospitals, the HSE is expanding access to community sites. Last year, nearly 22,500 infants were vaccinated, with an acceptance rate of 83% among those offered the immunization. Compared to the previous year, the program resulted in a significant reduction of RSV-related cases, including:

– A 65% decrease in total RSV cases
– A 57% reduction in cases presenting to emergency departments
– A 76% decrease in hospitalizations due to RSV
– A 65% decline in infants requiring intensive care

Dr. Éamonn O’Moore, the HSE National Director for Health Protection, noted that before the introduction of the program, four out of every 100 infants were hospitalized due to RSV during the winter months. This vaccination initiative aims to mitigate such risks and safeguard hospital pediatric services during peak winter periods.

Parents of infants born between March 1 and August 31, 2025, can book appointments at local community sites beginning August 25, 2025, via the HSE website. The vaccination will be available until the first week of October. Infants born from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, will receive the immunization before leaving the maternity hospital.

Importance of the Nirsevimab Vaccine

The vaccination, known as nirsevimab, is strongly recommended by the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). It is approved by the European Medicines Agency and offers protection against RSV for 150 days, a critical period for babies who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness.

Dr. Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health, urged parents to prioritize this opportunity. The immunization is provided free of charge and plays a vital role in preventing RSV-related illnesses, thereby reducing unnecessary hospital admissions during the busy winter months.

RSV is not only a seasonal concern but the leading cause of hospital admissions for acute respiratory illnesses in young children. It can cause serious conditions such as bronchiolitis, particularly in infants under six months old. The HSE’s community vaccination program aims to address these challenges by ensuring that families have easy access to this essential immunization.

Parents are encouraged to act quickly to schedule appointments and ensure their infants are protected ahead of potential RSV surges later in the autumn and winter seasons.