HSE urges Mayo parents to take up free RSV immunisation for babies
Free protection is available to babies born between March and August 2026 through participating GP ahead of the winter RSV season
The HSE is encouraging parents across Mayo and the wider region to take up free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation for eligible babies ahead of the winter season.
The 2026–2027 RSV Infant Immunisation Programme begins on Tuesday, September 1, with protection available through maternity hospitals and participating GP practices.
Babies born between March 1 and August 31, 2026 can receive the immunisation through participating GP practices. Babies born between September 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027 will, where possible, be offered immunisation in maternity hospitals before going home.
Eligible babies at higher risk of serious RSV illness will be offered immunisation through a specialist pathway.
Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health with HSE West and North West, said RSV can be particularly serious for young babies despite being a common seasonal virus.
“Over the last two years, RSV immunisation has had a significant positive impact in Ireland, it has reduced the number of babies who become very unwell with RSV and require hospitalisation,” she said.
More than 37,000 infants received RSV immunisation last winter, with 88% of babies born between September 2025 and February 2026 receiving protection in maternity hospitals. Uptake among high-risk infants was 100%.
The programme reduced RSV-related hospitalisations by 70% among babies born during the RSV season. Overall, infant immunisation is estimated to have prevented more than 1,000 emergency department presentations, hospitalisations and ICU admissions.
Dr Patrick Kelly of the Irish College of General Practitioners encouraged parents of babies born between March and August to arrange immunisation through participating GP practices, ideally before the RSV season.
RSV is highly contagious and commonly circulates during autumn and winter. While it generally causes mild respiratory illness, it can lead to serious infection in babies and young children, particularly during their first winter.
The immunisation is provided as a single dose of nirsevimab, which provides immediate protection during the RSV season and helps prevent severe RSV infection and hospitalisation.
Parents can speak to their GP or healthcare professional for further information and advice.
More information on RSV and RSV immunisation is available on the HSE website.