New RSV vaccination program approved

The Ministry of Health has approved the introduction of a new vaccination programme aimed at protecting newborns and the elderly from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its complications.

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Starting this September, all pregnant women will be offered the RSV vaccine to protect their babies from the virus from birth. Adults aged 75 to 79 will also be offered the RSV vaccine.

This follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended the commencement of RSV vaccination programmes in June 2023.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “RSV infections have a major impact on our health services every winter, with young children and infants most at risk from this infection. By introducing this new vaccination programme we will not only protect the most vulnerable, but also help to reduce the pressure on our health services.”

“My department has approved the RSV programme following advice from the JCVI and in line with the approach taken in the rest of the UK and I would urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies from the disease.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael McBride said: “RSV infection can be a serious infection, particularly for very young infants. The rollout of the vaccination programme is a vital public health measure that will help protect the most vulnerable in society and safeguard the capacity of our health service over the winter months, when pressures are often most pronounced.”

“For generations we have seen how effective vaccination is in eradicating disease and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from severe illness and death, yet we are now seeing an alarming decline in childhood vaccination uptake. Vaccination gives children the best start in life – simply put, if children are not vaccinated, they are not protected.”

More details about the program's rollout will be released later in the summer.

Notes to editors:

1. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children, but the severity of the illness they develop can vary. In infants, RSV can cause severe bronchiolitis.
2. After infants, older adults are the most likely to experience serious complications from RSV infection that can lead to hospitalization. Older adults are more likely to have underlying chronic conditions, such as lung or heart disease, that increase the likelihood of serious RSV complications.
3. Vaccination will be offered to all women 28 weeks or older who are pregnant.
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