Quick read
Key points
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RSV immunisation, using a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab, protects newborns and young babies against severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of serious lung infections in the first months of life. The immunisation starts working immediately and protects for around 150 days, covering the period when babies are most vulnerable.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Babies born in a maternity hospital during the RSV season are offered the immunisation before discharge, automatically
01 · Know
What is RSV Immunisation for Babies?
RSV immunisation, using a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab, protects newborns and young babies against severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of serious lung infections in the first months of life. The immunisation starts working immediately and protects for around 150 days, covering the period when babies are most vulnerable.
In Ireland, the programme offers immunisation to all babies born in maternity hospitals during the RSV season (typically September to February), given before discharge home, as well as to babies aged 6 months or younger at the start of the season through a community catch-up programme. It follows a highly successful first year, during which cases, hospitalisations, and ICU admissions among immunised babies all fell dramatically compared with previous years.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It works differently from a traditional vaccine
Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody, not a vaccine — it gives your baby ready-made antibodies against RSV immediately, rather than asking their immune system to build a response over time, which is why protection starts right away.
03 · Act
How to Access the Programme
- 1Babies born in a maternity hospital during the RSV season are offered the immunisation before discharge, automatically
- 2Babies born at home can receive it at their newborn check-up
- 3Babies aged 6 months or younger at the start of the season can have an appointment booked through the HSE community catch-up programme
- 4Babies with certain underlying health conditions or born prematurely may be eligible as part of a separate higher-risk group, even outside these windows
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Check Current Eligibility Dates, As They're Reviewed Each Year
The specific dates and eligibility criteria for the RSV immunisation programme are set annually — check the HSE website or with your maternity team for the current season's details.
- 1Accept the immunisation if offered in hospital.It's given as a simple injection before your baby is discharged, and starts protecting immediately.
- 2Book a community appointment if eligible outside hospital.This applies to babies aged 6 months or younger at the start of the RSV season.
- 3Ask about eligibility if your baby has an underlying health condition.A broader "higher-risk" eligibility group exists for babies with certain conditions.
- 4Continue other RSV precautions.Good hand hygiene and avoiding contact with people who are unwell remain helpful, even after immunisation.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: RSV immunisation for babies ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
The RSV immunisation programme has significantly reduced severe RSV illness, hospitalisations, and ICU admissions among immunised babies in Ireland.
This immunisation is free and offered automatically to eligible newborns before they leave the maternity hospital.