Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
421. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1858 of 18 March 2026, if a cohort of infants can receive a second RSV immunisation in winter 2026-2027 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22952/26]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
Following on from the successful Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunisation pathfinder programme in 2024/2025, an expanded RSV Immunisation programme was in place throughout Winter 2025/2026, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. For 2025/2026, in line with NIAC advice, the HSE offered RSV immunisation in maternity settings to all babies born in Ireland from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026 as well as extending the programme to all babies in Ireland born in the six month period from 1st March 2025 to 31st August 2025. In addition, a cohort of infants who are under 24 months of age and considered high risk, are also eligible for RSV immunisation.
My Department has agreed the scope of the RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, in line with NIAC advice, which will be the same eligibility criteria in place for the 2025/2026 season. A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on RSV immunisation for infants and adults is currently being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). It is expected that the report will be finalised in Spring 2026 before its submission as advice to my Department. The outcome of the HTA will inform the development of any longer-term programme and future decision making specific to RSV immunisation in Ireland.
