RSV Immunisation Pathfinder Evaluation

RSV Immunisation Pathfinder 2.0 Evaluation

Building on the success of the first pilot, RSV Pathfinder 2.0 Pathfinder was launched in August 2025 to fully implement the
recommendations of NIAC, offering RSV immunisation to all infants born from 1st March 2025 to 31st August 2025 (the ‘catch-up cohort’) in addition to the birth cohort (born 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026) and high-risk infants.

The findings of the evaluation provide clear evidence that infant RSV immunisation is reducing severe illness and the need for hospital care. The report also shows that the programme has achieved high levels of acceptance and support among parents, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders, highlighting its success in protecting infants and reducing pressure on health services.

RSV Immunisation Pathfinder 1.0 Evaluation

In 2024, an RSV Immunisation Pathfinder Programme was established to offer nirsevimab to all infants born between 1st September 2024 and 28th February 2025, as well as other clinically high-risk infants less than 12 months of age. The aim of the programme was to reduce RSV-related illness among young infants.

Following completion of the programme, a multi-disciplinary working group convened by the National Health Protection Office (NHPO) carried out an evaluation to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the RSV Immunisation Pathfinder Programme in Ireland, to inform future RSV immunisation policy.