The 2026-2027 RSV Infant Immunisation Programme will officially launch on 27 August.
Healthcare professionals will play an important role in delivering the programme and supporting parents to protect their babies against RSV.
Below are some key clinical updates to support you as we prepare for this year’s programme.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®, Sanofi) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody which is administered IM to provide immediate passive immunity against RSV infection. The monoclonal antibody provides protection for up to 150 days (5 months).
Nirsevimab is very effective at preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), RSV-related hospitalisation and at reducing risk of RSV-related ICU admissions.
It is offered to babies to protect them during their first autumn and winter, when RSV levels are at their highest. At-risk babies less than 24 months of age are also recommended Nirsevimab.
In Ireland, Nirsevimab has been offered to all babies born during the annual RSV season which extends from 1st September to 28th/29th February each year since 2024/2025. In 2025/2026, babies under 6 months of age entering their first RSV season were also offered Nirsevimab by HSE vaccination teams.
In Ireland in 2024/2025, when Nirsevimab was given to babies born during the RSV season, there was a 76% reduction in RSV related hospital admissions and a 65% reduction in ICU admissions in this age group.
Recommended childhood groups for Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody
- All babies born between 1st September 2026 and 28th February 2027.
- These infants will be offered Nirsevimab before being discharged from the maternity hospital.
These babies are those born between 1st March 2026 and 31st August 2026. They should receive Nirsevimab at the start of the RSV season (i.e. ideally in September).
- These babies will be offered Nirsevimab in General Practice.
- GPs may also immunise babies born during the RSV season, who did not receive Nirsevimab prior to discharge from a maternity hospital.
- These should receive Nirsevimab prior to the start of the RSV season.
- Please refer to Chapter 18a of the NIAC guidelines for details of babies at high-risk of severe RSV disease aged ≤12 month
- All ex-preterm babies aged under 24 months with CLD† in their second RSV season.
- Babies who will be severely immunocompromised during the RSV season may also be considered for nirsevimab in consultation with their treating specialist. These babies should receive nirsevimab prior to the start of the RSV season.
- Please refer to Chapter 18a of the NIAC guidelines for details of high risk babies aged < 24 month
Summary table of recommended groups to receive Nirsevimab
| Description | Date of Birth | Where they will be immunised |
| Babies born during 2026-2027 RSV season | 1st September 2026 to 28th February 2027 | Maternity hospitals
*If missed in maternity hospitals can avail of Nirsevimab in GP **A small number of babies, who are born at the end of August 2026 and still in maternity hospitals in early September, may receive Nirsevimab prior to their discharge |
| All babies aged < 6 months at the start of the 2026-2027 RSV season | 1st March 2026 to 31st August 2026 | General Practice |
| All high-risk babies aged ≤ 12 months at the start of the RSV season | Aged ≤12 months at start of the RSV season | Referred by Paediatrics to HSE
Mobile Vaccination Teams |
| All ex-preterm babies aged < 24 months with chronic lung disease in their second RSV season
| Aged < 24 months. | Referred by Paediatrics to HSE
Mobile Vaccination Teams |
| Babies aged < 24 months who will be severely immunocompromised during the RSV season may also be considered for Nirsevimab on the advice of their treating specialist/Consultant | Aged < 24 months. | Referred by Paediatrics to HSE
Mobile Vaccination Teams |
- Babies <5kg: A single dose of 50mg administered intramuscularly.
- Babies ≥5kg: A single dose of 100mg administered intramuscularly.
- Children up to 24 months entering their second RSV season: 200mg given as two 100mg IM injections. The two injections are given at least 2.5cm apart, when administered in the same limb, and if necessary, in different limbs.
A Guideline for Weighing of Infants for Nirsevimab Administration will be available on the HSE website.
The Nirsevimab injection can be given at the same time (or at any interval before or after) the vaccines in the routine Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. Routine vaccines should not be delayed by administration of Nirsevimab.
It is important to note that most children have no adverse effects from Nirsevimab.
- Local uncommon: injection site reactions (0.3%)
- General uncommon: rash (0.7%), pyrexia (0.5%)
A full list of adverse reactions may be found in the SmPC of this product
For more information on RSV immunisation please see:
- Chapter 18a of the NIAC immunisation guidelines.
- SmPC of Nirsevimab
- The RSV Vaccination Programme Webinar 2026/2027
- Can view viewed on our YouTube page here
- E-learning module on RSV immunisation with Nirsevimab: HSEland.ie
- Supporting information for healthcare professionals available on the HSE website
- Frequently asked questions for healthcare professionals
- Information on Weighing of Infants for Nirsevimab Administration
- The following information will be available on the HSE website ahead of the launch of the programme:
- Medicine protocol for the administration of Nirsevimab.
A range of RSV information materials will be available to support the programme, including a poster, infographic and information leaflet. The infographic will also be available in additional community languages. All materials will be available to download from Healthpromotion.ie.
- Please see: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/immunisation/
- Order posters, information materials from: healthpromotion.ie
Healthcare professionals who have immunisation-related questions should email [email protected]