RSV vaccine offered to Cork and Kerry babies as HSE programme enters final winter
The HSE is offering a free RSV immunization program for babies in Cork and Kerry for the final winter of a three-year pilot project. Health officials emphasize the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in preventing severe winter illness in newborns.
Why it matters
This program addresses a significant public health concern for infants, though its future remains uncertain due to high costs and the conclusion of the pilot phase.
RSV is a common winter virus, but it can cause serious illness for babies, especially newborns. Picture: iStock
New mothers can get the RSV vaccine for their babies this winter at maternity hospitals and GP practices in Cork and Kerry , in what could be the final year of the free programme.
In April, Hiqa advised that immunisation against RSV is safe and effective, but also very expensive. It said the costs suggested by Sanofi/AstraZeneca need to be almost halved.
The HSE has not yet said if it intends to continue the programme after this winter, when the three-year pilot project ends.
Babies born between September 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, will be offered RSV immunisation in maternity hospitals before discharge, where possible.
Babies born between March 1 and August 31, 2026, can receive the immunisation through participating GP practices.
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