Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections. The risk of severe infection is highest in very young infants. RSV is a seasonal virus with outbreaks typically occurring in the winter months, with the highest numbers of infections usually reported in December and January. Each winter in Ireland, one in two babies will get RSV and many will need medical care from their doctor or the emergency department of a children’s hospital. Four out of 100 babies are hospitalised due to RSV, with some babies needing special treatment in intensive care units. Following on from the successful RSV immunisation pathfinder programme, an expanded RSV immunisation programme will run throughout this coming winter. This immunisation will offer protection ahead of the seasonal upsurge in infection with RSV. Last winter, there was an estimated 57% reduction in emergency department presentations, a 76% reduction in hospitalisations and a 65% reduction in ICU admissions compared with the previous year.This highlights just how effective immunisation has been in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable.

The immunisation will be given to all babies born between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026; babies who are six months old or younger on 1 September; and premature babies and other higher risk infants born during the RSV season. I encourage every parent to take up this opportunity to protect their young child's health. High uptake not only protects individual families but will also ease pressure on the health service over the busy winter period, allowing valuable resources to be directed to where they are most required. Immunisations will be administered to newborn infants in maternity hospitals until the end of February. For infants six months and younger, the immunisation is being administered in clinics during September. Further information is available on the HSE website.

I can confirm that a health technology assessment, HTA, on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority. This health technology assessment will include advice to the Department of Health to inform a policy decision on the most appropriate strategy for immunising adults aged 65 and older. This health technology assessment will include an assessment of the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and budget impact of alternative strategies for adults aged 65 years and older against RSV. It will also consider the organisational, resource, ethical, patient and social implications associated with alternative strategies. The outcome will inform future decision-making on this matter in relation to whether any amendments are required to the national immunisation programmes.