The number of babies in hospital with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is expected to be even lower this year than last year as a “very effective” pilot immunisation programme continues, health watchdog Hiqa has said. Hiqa deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment, Dr Máirín Ryan, said the two-year pilot immunisation programme has been “very effective” in protecting babies. Babies aged less than six months face the highest risk of getting so sick they need hospital care. The average cost of an inpatient admission for babies ill with RSV aged under two months is about €13,000, and for babies aged three to six months is about €9,000. Dr Ryan said: “RSV immunisation is safe and would significantly reduce the RSV burden on families and on healthcare services.

Source: Irish Examiner December 21, 2025 19:00 UTC