Qualitative Evaluation of Ireland’s National Infant RSV Immunisation Programme

Background

The Irish infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nirsevimab immunisation programme was delivered successfully for the second RSV season (2025/2026). The programme expanded from last years in-season birth cohort to include infants born between 01/03/2025 and 31/08/2025 i.e., outside the RSV season. Nirsevimab was provided to this cohort at community clinics across 10-week Catch-up Programme (CUP). Nirsevimab for RSV in-season-birth cohort and high-risk infants continued, as previously. We assessed the experience of parents whose children were eligible for the CUP as well as CUP provider feedback.

Methods

Surveys and focus group invitations were issued to parents attending CUP community clinics, to other eligible parents after the RSV season via social inclusion, child health, new mother, and public health nursing networks, and to service providers via professional networks. Responses were collected using Likert and free-text questions. Data were analysed in R.

Results

52% of the eligible Catch-up cohort were immunised. Parents attending for immunisation reported being highly informed, deemed RSV a serious illness, and many were advised to attend by a healthcare provider or relative. Parents who did not attend also deemed RSV a serious illness but reported being less well informed, having insufficient time for action, general unawareness of the programme, and quoted safety concerns as a barrier to immunisation. Service providers rated service user experience highly but deemed communication to parents inadequate. Earlier antenatal communication via trusted health professionals was a key theme arising from focus groups.

Conclusions

Nirsevimab is highly effective in reducing infant RSV illness. Experience of the CUP rated highly among service users and providers. Findings from feedback, particularly from parents who did not attend for immunisation, should inform future planning to ensure higher uptake among eligible infants, including education on RSV.

Key messages

• RSV immunisation was delivered successfully to children under 6 months old in a 10-week community Catch-up Programme, improving immunisation coverage in the infant population early in the RSV season.

• Early awareness raising and education targeting pregnant women and young mothers, particularly through trusted healthcare professionals, is critical to improving uptake of RSV immunisation.