RSV Immunisation: GPs & Paediatricians Call it a 'Game Changer'

A new RSV immunisation programme for infants has been described by GPs and paediatricians as a ‘game changer’, but there are concerns a lack of resources and awareness among parents are impacting on its success. An evaluation of the RSV Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for Winter 2024/25 estimated that the initiative averted 1,030 laboratory-confirmed cases of RSV infection in infants. A total of 440 non-hospitalised ED presentations, 433 hospitalisations, and 79 ICU admissions were averted as a result of the programme, which provided free immunisation to infants born between September 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025. In total more than 22,000 newborn babies were immunised against RSV in winter 2024/25, representing an uptake rate of 83 per cent. The programme led to an estimated 65 per cent reduction in the number of RSV cases throughout the season when compared with 2023-2024. Based on the success of the programme, immunisation has been offered again to newborns this winter, and has also been extended to babies who were aged less than six months old in September. As part of the evaluation of last year’s initiative, feedback from stakeholders identified the programme’s success but also its drawbacks. “All stakeholder groups welcomed the initiative, stating that ‘it’s a good measure to protect babies’, and staff were ‘proud to promote it’,” the report said. “Paediatricians and General Practitioners (GPs) described the RSV immunisation as ‘a game changer’. They noted that they saw fewer children present with RSV-related symptoms, and those that did have RSV and were immunised were ‘turning around quicker and needing less support’.” However, a survey of parents found that a lack of information on the immunisation was impacting their decision to decline the jab. Almost two-thirds of those who refused the immunisation (64 per cent) said they had concerns about its safety, while one-third cited a lack of information on nirsevimab, the long-acting monoclonal antibody used in the programme. Three-in-ten said they believed that immunisation was unnecessary, while one-in-five said they had a lack of time to make a decision on whether their newborn should receive the injection. These issues were reflected in criticisms of the programme, which included insufficient staffing/resources to deliver it, and a lack of information about RSV immunisation among parents, the general public and other healthcare professionals. The evaluation – written by specialist registrar in public health medicine Dr Michael Hanrahan, makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the programme including improvements in communication and awareness-raising among the public. The report also recommends specific staff education, training and resources to deliver the programme more effectively. In the week up to January 10 last there were 582 cases of RSV reported to health officials, with 152 requiring hospitalisation. This winter a total of 3,740 cases have been reported. However, intensive care admissions have remained low. In the week up to January 10, no patients were in ICU with an RSV infection.