When is RSV likely to be a problem for my baby?
If your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks’ gestation), is prone to lung infections or was born with a congenital heart disease, they could be at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with RSV.
Like other seasonal coughs, colds and flu, RSV is usually most prevalent in the UK between October and March each year. This is because people tend to gather indoors in less ventilated spaces during the colder months of the year, which allows viruses to spread more easily.
From late September 2025, the NHS across the UK started offering an injection to high-risk and very premature babies (born before 32 weeks) called nirsevimab.
It is a single antibody injection that gives some protection from RSV infections for up to six months. This will cover the most vulnerable newborns through the winter, which is when babies are most likely to catch RSV.
This replaced palivizumab, a monthly injection that was used previously.
Babies and infants that may be offered nirsevimab include those:
If your baby is on the neonatal unit and due to be discharged for the first time between mid-September and the end of February, staff will arrange for RSV immunisations to take place before your baby leaves the hospital.
If your baby is leaving hospital for the first time from the start of March to the first half of September, you will be invited to attend an outpatient clinic for your baby to receive the nirsevimab injection in the second half of September or first half of October.
If you do not receive an invitation letter to a clinic and you believe your baby is eligible, contact their GP or local neonatal unit.
