Pilot Immunisation Programme Reduces Hospitalisations from RSV

The implementation of a pilot immunisation programme in Ireland has led to a significant decrease in the number of babies hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), this trend is likely to continue, with expectations for even lower hospitalisation rates this year compared to 2023.

Hiqa is now encouraging parents, healthcare professionals, and those concerned with child health to participate in a public consultation regarding the potential permanent funding of the programme. RSV, a highly contagious respiratory illness, primarily affects the lungs and upper airways, typically spreading during the winter months from October to March. Infants, especially those born during the RSV season, are at heightened risk for severe infections.

Dr. Máirín Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Health Technology Assessment at Hiqa, highlighted the effectiveness of the two-year pilot programme. “The immunisation programme has been very effective in protecting babies,” she stated. In Ireland, more than 7,000 RSV cases are diagnosed each winter, with approximately seven in ten cases occurring in children under two years old. Babies under six months are particularly vulnerable and often require hospital care due to the severity of their illness.

Prior to the introduction of the immunisation programme in 2024, the winter months regularly saw up to 1,600 hospital admissions for babies suffering from RSV. Dr. Ryan noted a marked improvement, citing only 533 admissions last year during the pilot programme. “You can see the substantial benefit immunisation had,” she remarked, adding that an even greater reduction in hospitalisations is anticipated this season due to the expanded pilot programme.

The antibody treatment, Nirsevimab, is administered via injection and is approved to prevent RSV in infants during their first winter season. It also provides protection to vulnerable children up to two years old. The average cost for inpatient treatment of infants under two months suffering from RSV is around €13,000, while for those aged three to six months, the cost is approximately €9,000.

The continued rollout of this immunisation programme will require a significant financial commitment. Hiqa estimates that providing immunisation for all babies could cost the Health Service Executive (HSE) an additional €50 million to €60 million over the first five years. Dr. Ryan emphasized the safety and efficacy of RSV immunisation, stating, “It would significantly reduce the RSV burden on families and healthcare services.” However, she cautioned that the HSE would need to negotiate substantial price reductions for these new immunisation products to ensure efficient use of resources.

Hiqa’s draft report is available on its website, and the public consultation will remain open until January 20, 2024. The success of this pilot programme may pave the way for a permanent immunisation strategy, ultimately reducing the impact of RSV on vulnerable infants in Ireland.