“The data on RSV-related illness is compelling. Last winter alone, there was an estimated 57% reduction in Emergency Department presentations, a 76% reduction in hospitalisations and a 65% reduction in ICU admissions compared to the previous year. This significant decline highlights just how effective the immunisation has been in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable.

“For new parents, knowing their baby is protected against a potentially serious illness has brought immense reassurance. I want to sincerely thank the dedicated teams across the Health Service Executive who made this success possible.

“Today, I’m delighted to announce that we’re expanding the RSV immunisation programme even further. In addition to newborns receiving immunisation in maternity hospitals, all babies under six months of age on 1 September 2025 will now be eligible for free immunisation at their local clinic, ahead of the anticipated rise in RSV infections later in the autumn/winter period. This is a vital step, as the risk of severe RSV infection is highest in the earliest months of life.

“I encourage all parents to take up this opportunity to safeguard their child’s health. High uptake not only protects individual families it also eases pressure on our health service, allowing resources to be directed where they’re needed most.”

“Prevention is always preferable to treatment, and now being able to prevent many babies from serious illness due to RSV is a wonderful step forward in child and population health.

“Paediatricians have described Nirsevimab as a “gamechanger”, reducing the number of illnesses and the severity of cases and reducing the spread of RSV to people who are vulnerable. I would encourage all parents of eligible babies to consider this immunisation for their baby to reduce their risk of illness over the winter and to help protect the health of others around them.”