Health Systems and Policy Monitor (HSPM)

An innovative platform that provides a detailed description of health systems and provides up-to-date information on reforms and changes that are particularly policy relevant. In parallel, the Health Reform Tracker (see the Tracker tab) provides an overview of health reforms in over 30 countries across the WHO European Region and North America. For detailed information on country policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021, see our separate COVID-19 Health Systems Response Monitor (HSRM).

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HSE extends successful immunization programme to protect newborn babies from RSV this winter

25 August 2025 | Country Update

Babies born between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025 were offered a free RSV vaccination as part of the newly launched HSE RSV immunization programme. Data published showed that 22,500 babies were immunized, representing an uptake of 83%. Overall, there were fewer cases, hospitalizations and ICU treatments recorded due to the infection compared to 2023 figures.

In 2025, the vaccination programme will be extended to include babies born between 1 March and 31 August, where parents can book appointments during September and the first week of October to receive the vaccine. Babies born between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026 will again be offered free vaccination in the maternity hospital.