Babies born very prematurely or at high risk in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from enhanced protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with the introduction of a new single long-acting injection, Nirsevimab, available from autumn this year. This innovative treatment will replace the current Palivizumab jab, following advice issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in February 2023.

Nirsevimab, which provides over 80% protection against RSV, is administered as a single injection and is designed to provide immunity throughout the typical RSV season, which runs from September to February annually. The eligible cohort for this new immunisation includes high-risk infants and those born too early to receive protection from the RSV vaccine now offered to pregnant women. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt underscored the seriousness of RSV for very premature infants, noting its significant impact on the health service each year. "My Department has approved using this new vaccine in line with the approach being taken across the other UK nations," he stated. Minister Nesbitt added that this "innovative vaccine further strengthens our winter preparedness to prevent avoidable hospital admissions and reduce pressures on GPs and Emergency Departments," building on last year's launch of an RSV vaccination programme for pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 years. He encouraged parents and guardians of eligible infants to avail of the vaccination.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride also highlighted the critical importance of vaccinations in preventing serious illness. "RSV is a potentially serious virus, particularly for very young babies. Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death," he said. Professor Sir Michael also expressed concern over a recent decline in childhood immunisation uptake, stressing, "Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected."

Nirsevimab will be rolled out across the entire UK, following a cost-effective commercial agreement secured between NHS England, supported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the manufacturer, Sanofi, to ensure access for high-risk infants. The 2023 JCVI advice specifically recommended a long-acting monoclonal immunisation for eligible high-risk and very preterm infants, defined as those born before 32 weeks, as RSV can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.