New RSV Immunisation Clinics Open in Galway to Protect Babies

Parents in Galway now have increased access to RSV immunisation clinics, with new appointments scheduled from November 17 to December 12, 2025. This initiative responds to anticipated rises in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases this winter and the expressed demand from parents for additional immunisation opportunities.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is emphasizing the importance of vaccinating infants born between March 1 and August 31, 2025, who missed out on the September immunisation period. Early booking is recommended to ensure protection against potential RSV spikes.

Public Health Initiative to Combat RSV

According to Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health for HSE West and North West, “The HSE has RSV immunisation clinics running across the West and North West region over the coming weeks to help make it easy and convenient for parents with young babies to avail of this immunisation, free of charge.”

Dr McNamara underscored the effectiveness of the immunisation, stating, “Immunisation is the most effective and safest way to protect your baby from RSV this winter.” The RSV infection can lead to severe illness, resulting in hospital admissions, particularly among infants.

Prior to the introduction of the immunisation programme, data indicated that 4 out of every 100 infants were hospitalised due to RSV each winter. Furthermore, 50 out of 100 infants were infected, many requiring medical intervention from healthcare professionals.

The previous RSV catch-up programme, conducted from September to early October 2025, achieved a national uptake rate of 45.5% among eligible infants. The ongoing immunisation programme, which began on September 1, has recorded a cumulative uptake of 89%, demonstrating strong community engagement.

Impact of the Immunisation Programme

The previous year saw nearly 22,500 babies immunised, with an impressive 83% acceptance rate among those offered the vaccine. Compared to infants who were not immunised, there was a substantial decrease in RSV-related health complications. Key statistics include a 65% reduction in total RSV cases, a 57% decline in emergency department visits, and a 76% decrease in hospitalisations due to RSV complications.

The immunisation, known as nirsevimab, is recommended by both the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and has received approval from the European Medicines Agency. Once administered, nirsevimab begins to protect infants immediately and provides coverage against RSV for 150 days, safeguarding them during the critical early months of life.

The HSE encourages parents of eligible infants in Galway to book appointments through their official website at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/. For infants born from September 1 to February 28, 2026, immunisation will be offered prior to discharge from maternity hospitals. The vaccine is administered free of charge via an injection into the baby’s leg, ensuring a straightforward and effective preventive measure against RSV this winter.