Getty ImagesA vaccination programme to tackle respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to be extended to cover premature babies born in Northern Ireland.
A long-acting injection is to be offered for eligible children from this autumn.
RSV is a common, but highly infectious, respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults.
It infects 90% of children by the age of two and is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in the first year of life.
An RSV vaccine has been available to pregnant women in Northern Ireland since last September and is offered from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
The new programme will cover those infants born very prematurely and too early to benefit from the RSV vaccination given to their mothers.
The single Nirsevimab injection offers about 80% protection and replaces Palivizumab, which gives 55% protection and is administered up to five times.
It follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Pacemaker PressChief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said: “Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death.
“Worryingly, we are now seeing a decline in the uptake of childhood immunisations.
“Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the new vaccine would strengthen winter preparedness in the health service and reduce pressures on GPs, emergency departments and hospital admissions.
