The HSE is urging parents of babies born in Galway between March 1 and August 31 this year to book an RSV immunisation appointment at the free HSE clinic, which will remain open until the first week in October.
Parents and guardians are advised to book now to ensure their child is protected ahead of any surge in RSV infections later in the autumn or winter.
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 and Clinical Director for Paediatrics, Women’s and Children’s Directorate, said, “In the Galway area, we are advising parents of those babies eligible to get this immunisation to ensure their children are protected ahead of the winter.
“The immunisation, called nirsevimab, is provided free of charge and works straight away, so your baby is protected as soon as they get immunised. 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 more than 80 per cent effective at protecting babies from hospitalisation due to complications of RSV infection.
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.
The RSV immunisation programme is being delivered by trained midwives in maternity settings after birth and before the baby is discharged, and by vaccination teams in the community for children born since March 1 2025, until August 31 2025, as well as at home for higher-risk babies, including those who are premature.
For details of the local clinic and for information on the HSE RSV immunisation programme, visit www2.hse.ie
