RSV immunisation for babies in Ireland: who gets it, and where?

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes chest infections, and the HSE says 1 in 2 babies gets it during the RSV season. Here is who is offered the free RSV immunisation this winter, where, and what to watch for, from the HSE and HPSC guidance, checked on 21 October 2026.

Which babies get the RSV immunisation this winter?

From 1 September the HSE is offering free RSV immunisation to three groups: babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027, babies born between 1 March 2026 and 31 August 2026, and some high-risk babies under 24 months old, such as babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy.

The HSE says high-risk babies include babies born prematurely, before 30 weeks of pregnancy, and babies who have a medical condition such as heart or lung disease, or a weak immune system. The risk of severe RSV infection is highest in young babies, especially those born during the RSV season, which in Ireland usually runs from September to February.

Where does my baby get the RSV immunisation?

It depends on when your baby was born. Babies born from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027 get it in the maternity hospital soon after birth, if you choose it. Babies born from 1 March to 31 August 2026 get it from their GP. For a high-risk baby, talk to your paediatrician.

Your baby	Where
Born 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027	In the maternity hospital, soon after birth
Born 1 March to 31 August 2026	Your GP practice: make an appointment
High risk and under 24 months	Your paediatrician refers your baby to the HSE vaccination team

If your baby is born at home during the RSV season, the HSE says they will be offered RSV immunisation in the maternity hospital, so talk to your midwife or obstetrician. For a GP appointment, the HSE says it is best to get the immunisation as early as possible in the season, and it can be given at the same time as your baby's routine childhood vaccines. See our Irish vaccine schedule for babies for those.

Is the RSV immunisation free?

Yes. The HSE offers it free to every baby in the three groups: babies born between 1 September 2026 and 28 February 2027, babies born between 1 March and 31 August 2026, and some high-risk babies under 24 months old. It is your choice whether your baby has it.

For babies born this season, the HSE says a healthcare provider gives it in the maternity hospital if you choose to have your baby immunised. If you have questions before the birth, your midwife or obstetrician can help, and the HSE line is 1800 700 700.

How long does the RSV immunisation protect my baby?

The HSE says it protects your baby from severe RSV infection for 5 months during autumn and winter, when RSV levels are highest. It works straight away, so your baby is protected as soon as they get it, and they only need 1 injection to protect them through their first winter.

The HSE says Nirsevimab is safe and prevents more than 80% of RSV hospitalisations. It also lowers the risk of complications such as chest infections, of needing to stay overnight in hospital and of being admitted to intensive care because of RSV. The HPSC says the highest numbers of RSV infections are usually reported in December and January.

Is the RSV immunisation a vaccine?

No. The HSE says the immunisation, called Nirsevimab, is an antibody that can protect against RSV, and it is different from a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. Nirsevimab instead gives your baby the antibodies directly, as one injection into the thigh muscle.

The HSE says Nirsevimab does not interfere with other childhood vaccines or medicines. The HPSC says it has been approved by the European Medicines Agency and is recommended by the Department of Health, the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. The HSE adds that RSV immunisation is also recommended in other European countries, the USA and Australia.

What are the side effects of the RSV immunisation?

Most babies have no side effects, the HSE says. Fewer than 1 in 100 babies have mild side effects: redness of the skin where they got the injection, a temperature or a rash. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and your baby will be monitored for 15 minutes after the injection.

You can report a side effect to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), or ask your GP or another healthcare professional to do it for you. The HSE says your baby may not be suitable for the immunisation if they had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the injection, or a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Nirsevimab or palivizumab before. Your doctor or midwife may delay it if your baby is unwell.

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies and young children, usually caused by a virus such as RSV. The HSE says it usually affects children under 2, especially babies under 6 months. It usually begins like a cold, and most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks.

At first your baby might have a runny or blocked nose, a slight cough or a fever of 38 degrees or higher. Over the next few days, the HSE says, these may follow:

• a dry and persistent cough
• rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing or grunting)
• feeding less
• fewer wet nappies
• vomiting after feeding
• being irritable

Most children with bronchiolitis can be cared for at home, but the HSE says to keep a close eye on your child, because symptoms can get worse quickly. For an ordinary cold, see our guide to your baby's first cold.

When should I get urgent help for my baby?

Call 112 or 999 or go to an emergency department if your baby is struggling to breathe, has gone blue on the lips or tongue, will not stay awake, has gaps in breathing of more than 10 seconds, is breathing more than 60 times a minute, is pale and sweaty, or has a dry nappy for 12 hours.

The HSE's full emergency list for bronchiolitis: your child is having difficulty breathing (you may notice their nostrils getting wider as they breathe, or their ribs sucking in), has gone blue on their lips or tongue, will not stay awake or wake up, has long gaps in breathing (more than 10 seconds at a time, or regular short gaps of 5 to 10 seconds), is breathing a lot faster than usual (more than 60 breaths a minute), is pale and sweaty, or has a dry nappy for 12 hours or more.

Go to a GP or emergency department urgently if your child has symptoms and was born before 37 weeks, is less than 3 months old, has heart or lung disease or has a weakened immune system.

Contact your GP if you are worried, or if your baby:

• had fewer than 3 to 4 wet nappies in 24 hours, or none for 12 hours
• has no energy to feed, is refusing feeds or is too breathless to feed
• is bottle fed and taking less than half of their usual amount
• has a temperature of 38 degrees or higher for more than 3 days, or is getting worse
• seems breathless, listless or irritable

For fevers in general, see our guide to your baby's temperature.

How do I care for my baby with bronchiolitis at home?

The HSE says there is no specific treatment and antibiotics will not help. Keep your baby upright to help them breathe and feed, offer smaller milk feeds more often, check on them often, day and night, and keep the air moist. Logging feeds and wet nappies in Lullagram shows exactly what changed.

More from the HSE: you can put a couple of drops of saline in your baby's nose before each feed to help a blocked nose, and your pharmacist will tell you which drops suit your baby. If your baby is uncomfortable with a high temperature, they can usually have paracetamol from 2 months, or ibuprofen if they are older than 3 months and weigh at least 5kg; ask your pharmacist and always read the label. Do not underdress or overdress them, and do not sponge or bathe them in cool or lukewarm water. Do not let anyone smoke around your baby, and keep them away from other small children until their symptoms have improved and their temperature is normal without paracetamol or ibuprofen.

The GP will ask how many wet nappies there have been and how much your baby is taking, and those are hard to remember at 3am. Lullagram is the Irish baby tracker for both parents: feeds, nappies, sleep and medicine in one place, on both your phones. The baby tracker is free for 7 days.