Mayo parents urged to book RSV immunisation for babies born from March to August

The HSE is urging parents of babies born in Mayo between March 1 and August 31 of this year to book an RSV immunisation appointment. The free HSE clinics will remain open until the first week in October. Parents and guardians have been advised to book now to ensure their child is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections later in the autumn and winter months.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infection in children and adults. Every winter, RSV infection causes hospitalisations, including some serious illnesses, especially among young infants.

Dr Hilary Stokes, Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Director for Paediatrics, Women’s and Children’s Directorate, says the immunisation begins working right away: “They only need one injection to protect them through their first winter. Nirsevimab does not affect other medicines or vaccines that your baby will get. It can be given at the same time as other injections. This immunisation is safe and effective; it is more than 80% effective at protecting babies from hospitalisation due to complications of RSV infection.”

Dr Stocks is urging all parents across Mayo with babies born between March and August to make an appointment.

“Protect your baby against RSV when RSV levels are highest, reduce the risk of your baby needing hospital treatment, and reduce the risk of other complications due to RSV infection - such as pneumonia.”

For babies born from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, parents and guardians will be offered the immunisation before the baby leaves the maternity hospital.

Further information on the HSE RSV immunisation programme, as well as details of your local clinic, is available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/

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