Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and upper airways. It is transmitted by coughing, sneezing and breathing. This virus spreads every winter, with the RSV season in Ireland typically running from October to March. In healthy individuals, infection with RSV is usually self-limiting; however, RSV can cause severe infections in some people, leading to hospitalisation. Groups vulnerable to serious complications include infants, young children and older adults.
In August 2024, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) to inform an interim Government policy decision on immunisation of infants and or older adults against RSV for the 2025-2026 season.
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