Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infection in children and adults.
The risk of severe infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season in winter.
Among newborn babies in Ireland, each winter:
- 1 in 2 gets RSV - many need medical care from their GP or an emergency department (ED)
- 4 out of 100 are hospitalised due to RSV - some need special treatment in intensive care units
Who can get RSV immunisation
You will be offered free RSV immunisation for your baby if they are born between September 2024 and February 2025.
This immunisation is called nirsevimab. It is the best way to protect your newborn baby from RSV.
Premature babies (born before 30 weeks gestation or less than 1.25kg at birth) will also be offered nirsevimab.
RSV levels are highest in Ireland during winter.
Getting your newborn immunised
If you choose to immunise your baby against RSV, they will be given nirsevimab in the maternity hospital soon after they are born.
If your baby was born at home, they can get RSV immunisation when they go for their newborn baby health checks. Talk to your midwife about RSV immunisation.
Nirsevimab is given as an injection into their leg.
How RSV immunisation works
Nirsevimab is an antibody that can protect against RSV. It is not the same as a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. But nirsevimab gives the antibodies directly to your baby.
Nirsevimab works straight away so your baby is protected as soon as they get immunised. They only need 1 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.
Benefits of RSV immunisation
RSV immunisation:
- protects your baby against RSV when RSV levels are highest
- reduces the risk of your baby needing hospital treatment
- reduces the risk of other complications due to RSV infection - such as pneunomia
Safety and effectiveness of nirsevimab
Nirsevimab is safe and it is more than 80% effective.
It protects your newborn against RSV for 150 days. It protects them when their risk of severe infection is high.
As babies get older, their risk of severe RSV becomes lower.
Some countries have successfully introduced RSV immunisation for babies.
For example, as part of a programme in Spain, 90% of newborns were immunised against RSV. The hospitalisation rate among this group fell by over 80%.
Side effects of nirsevimab
Some babies get mild side effects from nirsevimab but this is not common.
Side effects may include:
- redness of the skin where your baby got the injection
- a temperature
- a rash
Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity are rare. Your baby will be monitored closely after getting the injection.
Nirsevimab does not contain RSV and cannot cause RSV-related illness.
Report a side effect
If your baby has a side effect after getting nirsevimab immunistation, 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
If you choose not to immunise your baby
If you choose not to immunise your baby against RSV, they will not be protected. They may get infected with the virus and become unwell.
There are things you can do to reduce the risk of your baby getting RSV.
Do
-
avoid crowded places
-
limit contact with anyone who has a cold or other infection
More information on how to prevent the spread of RSV.
Who should not get RSV immunisation
Your baby must be well to get nirsevimab.
They may not get it straight away if they have:
- problems with their blood
- an infection
- breathing difficulties
- low blood sugar
Your doctor or midwife may delay giving nirsevimab until your baby is well.
Consent for RSV immunisation
If you decide to immunise your baby against RSV, you will be asked to give verbal consent for your baby to get the injection.
Your doctor or midwife will talk to you about the nirsevimab immunisation. They will answer any questions that you may have.
More information about nirsevimab
To learn more about nirsevimab, read the European Medicines Agency nirsevimab information leaftlet - ma.europa.eu