As we move into the winter months, vaccination and immunisation is one of the important ways we can protect ourselves, our families and our communities from preventable illness.
The protection we need changes throughout our lives. From immunisations offered in infancy and childhood, to vaccines during pregnancy and those recommended as we get older or because of our health, everyone has an immunisation journey.
The HSE National Immunisation Office is supporting the delivery of a number of important vaccination and immunisation programmes this autumn and winter.
Protecting babies from RSV
The RSV immunisation programme is now underway, offering protection to eligible babies ahead of and during the RSV season, which runs from September 2026 to February 2027.
RSV is a common autumn and winter virus, but it can cause serious respiratory illness in babies, particularly during their first year of life.
The Programme has already had a significant impact. Nirsevimab, which is given to protect babies from RSV, is very effective, reducing RSV-related hospital admissions in babies by around 80% and helping to protect infants during their first RSV season
Babies born during the programme period will be offered RSV immunisation in maternity hospitals before they go home, where possible. Eligible babies who will be aged 6 months or less at the start of RSV season will also have an opportunity to receive immunisation through participating GP practices.
- Babies born from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027 will be offered immunisation in maternity hospitals, while babies born from 1 March to 31 August 2026 can receive immunisation through participating GPs. The immunisation can be given at the same time as routine childhood vaccines.
- Babies who are very vulnerable to RSV because of illness will be referred by their paediatrician for immunisation by HSE immunisation teams.
Another opportunity for HPV protection
The next phase of the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme is now available, giving eligible young people in second to fifth year of secondary school who previously missed HPV vaccination another opportunity to get protected. Eligible home-educated young people can also access free HPV vaccination through the HSE.
HPV is a very common virus that can cause a number of cancers later in life. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to reduce this risk and is recommended for both boys and girls.
Protecting your health this winter
The HSE’s winter vaccination programme is being delivered across Ireland, providing flu and COVID-19 vaccination to eligible groups.
Flu can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect against serious illness and complications.
Vaccination is only one part of protecting our health during winter. Good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when unwell and following trusted public health advice can all help reduce the spread of infection.
Find trusted information
With different vaccines recommended at different stages of life, knowing what is recommended for you and your family is important.
The HSE provides clear, trusted information to help people understand what vaccines are recommended, when they are recommended and where to get them.
This autumn and winter, take a moment to check where you are on your vaccine journey, and take the steps you can to protect yourself and those around you.
Find out more at HSE.ie.