Cork parents urged to consider 'gamechanger' RSV vaccine for babies 

HSE South West is encouraging parents across Cork to protect their babies this winter with free immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a common winter virus that can cause serious illness in infants, particularly during their first season. 

Immunisation is provided as a single dose of ‘nirsevimab’, giving babies immediate protection and helping to prevent severe infection and hospitalisation.

Dr Anne Sheahan, regional director of public health at HSE South West, said: “RSV immunisation has been a gamechanger for protecting babies from serious illness during the winter months.

“It is very safe, highly effective, and gives babies protection at a time when they are particularly vulnerable to RSV. Here in the South West, we strongly encourage parents of every eligible baby in Cork and Kerry to take up the offer of free RSV immunisation.

“It is a simple step that can make a very real difference in keeping babies well and out of hospital this winter.”

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 RSV immunisation through participating GP practices.

Eligible babies at higher risk of serious RSV illness will be offered immunisation through a specialist pathway.

Evaluation from the 2025/2026 programme found high uptake across eligible groups and substantial reductions in RSV-related emergency department presentations, hospitalisations, and intensive care unit admissions.