RSV immunisation
for babies-RSV
(respiratory syncytial virus)
RSV immunisation for babies
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infections (chest infections) in children and adults.
The risk of severe RSV infection is highest in young babies, especially those born during the RSV season.
During the RSV season, 1 in 2 babies gets RSV. Many need medical care from their GP or an emergency department (ED). Some need treatment in hospital.
RSV immunisation protects your baby from severe RSV infection for 5 months during autumn and winter.
Information:
The RSV season in Ireland is usually from September to February. Immunisation against RSV is the best way to protect your baby. This immunisation is called Nirsevimab.
Benefits of RSV immunisation
RSV immunisation:
protects your baby from severe RSV infection for 5 months during autumn and winter, when RSV levels are highest
helps reduce your baby's risk of becoming seriously ill with RSV
reduces the risk of developing complications such as lower respiratory tract infections (chest infections)
reduces the risk of needing to stay overnight in hospital as a result of RSV infection
reduces the risk of being admitted to intensive care as a result of RSV infection
Who can get RSV immunisation
We are offering free RSV immunisation to:
babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027
babies born between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026
some high-risk babies under 24 months old
Examples of high-risk babies include babies:
born prematurely - before 30 weeks of pregnancy
who have a medical condition such as heart or lung disease, or a weak immune system
How to get your baby immunised
Where your baby gets immunised depends on when they were born and if they are at high risk of RSV infection.
Babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027
If you choose to have your baby immunised against RSV, a healthcare provider will do this in the maternity hospital soon after your baby is born.
If your baby is born at home during the RSV season, your baby will be offered RSV immunisation in the maternity hospital. Talk to your midwife or obstetrician about RSV immunisation.
Babies born between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026
GPs are providing RSV immunisation to babies born between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026. You can make an appointment for your baby through your GP practice.
It’s best to get the immunisation as early as possible in the RSV season to protect your baby throughout autumn and winter.
Your baby can have RSV immunisation at the same time as their routine childhood vaccines.
Some high-risk babies under 24 months old
If your baby is high risk and under 24 months, talk to your paediatrician about RSV immunisation for your baby. They will refer your baby to the HSE vaccination team to get Nirsevimab, if it is right for your baby.
How RSV immunisation works
Nirsevimab is an antibody that can protect against RSV. It is different from a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Instead, Nirsevimab provides antibodies directly to protect your baby.
Nirsevimab works straight away so your baby is protected as soon as they get immunised.
Nirsevimab is given as an injection into their thigh muscle. They only need 1 injection to protect them through their first winter.
Nirsevimab does not interfere with other childhood vaccines or medicines. It can be given at the same time as their routine childhood vaccines.
Safety and effectiveness of Nirsevimab
Nirsevimab is safe and it prevents more than 80% of RSV hospitalisations.
RSV immunisation is also recommended in other European countries, the USA and Australia.
Side effects of Nirsevimab
Most babies who get Nirsevimab have no side effects. Fewer than 1 in 100 babies have mild side effects.
These include:
redness of the skin where your baby got the injection
a temperature
a rash
Some babies may have an allergic reaction after getting the injection. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Your baby will be monitored for 15 minutes after getting the injection.
Report a side effect
If your baby has a side effect after getting Nirsevimab immunisation, you can report it to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Or you can ask your GP or other healthcare professional to do this for you.
Report a side effect - hpra.ie
Who should not get RSV immunisation
Most babies can have Nirsevimab.
Your baby may not be suitable for the RSV immunisation if they:
had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Nirsevimab injection
had a serious hypersensitivity reaction to previous immunisation with Nirsevimab or palivizumab
Your doctor or midwife may delay giving Nirsevimab if your baby is unwell.