HSE South West has announced it will offer RSV immunisation to all babies born in Kerry this winter season.
RSV can cause severe infection in babies and can result in hospitalisation in some cases.
Parents of babies born between the 1st September and the 28th February next year (2026) will be offered the immunisation free of charge before their baby leaves the maternity hospital.
Last year, 22,500 babies were immunised against RSV nationwide, with the HSE reporting a 65% reduction in the total number of cases presented and a 76% reduction in babies requiring hospitalisation.
Parents and guardians of babies born during the six month period from the 1st March last to 31st August can also book an immunisation in the community on the HSE website from Monday, 1st September; these appointments will only be available during September 2025.
