RSV vaccine slashes baby ICU admissions by 75% in the Netherlands
A new RSV vaccine, now part of the National Immunisation Programme, has dramatically reduced hospitalisations among babies. Parents can breathe easier as ICU admissions drop by 75%, easing winter healthcare pressures across the country.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vaccine Introduction | September 2025 (part of National Immunisation Programme) |
| Babies Vaccinated | ~75% of babies in the Netherlands |
| ICU Admissions (2025-2026) | 43 babies (down from 178 in the same period last year) |
| Reduction in Admissions | 75% decrease |
| Vaccine Protection Duration | ~6 months |
| Side Effects | Rare; may include rash, swelling, redness, or mild fever |
| RSV Season | Autumn/Winter (vaccine timing depends on baby’s birth date) |
The National Immunisation Programme, managed by the Dutch government, aims to protect public health by preventing infectious diseases through vaccination. The inclusion of the RSV vaccine reflects its commitment to reducing severe illness in vulnerable populations, such as infants.
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Significantly fewer babies in ICUs thanks to vaccine against RSV
Over the past few months, about three-quarters of babies have received a vaccine against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). As a result, far fewer babies have been admitted to paediatric ICUs this autumn and winter. Last season, up to February, 178 babies were hospitalised due to RSV. This season, that number has dropped to 43 so far. The vaccine against RSV has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since September 2025.
The vaccine is administered by youth healthcare services. Babies born up to and including the end of March are still being offered the vaccine during the current season. The earlier babies receive the vaccine, the better. Young children, in particular, are at the highest risk of being hospitalised due to RSV. The virus is still circulating in the Netherlands at this time.
Fewer ICU admissions
Between 29 September 2025 and 1 February 2026, a total of 43 babies were admitted to Dutch paediatric ICUs with an RSV infection. In the same period last year, that number was 178 babies. This represents a 75% decrease. A large part of the reduction in ICU admissions can be attributed to the introduction of the RSV vaccine. The exact impact of the vaccine will be further investigated in the coming period.
Reduced pressure on healthcare
Paediatricians are positive about the introduction of the RSV vaccine. Dr Valerie Sloof, a paediatrician at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, said: “So far, we have seen a clear reduction in the number of patients with an RSV infection in the paediatric ICU. The enormous pressure we normally experience in winter on the number of available paediatric ICU beds has also decreased.”
RSV
The RSV virus can cause serious respiratory infections. It is most common in autumn and winter. The virus can be particularly dangerous for young babies, who may experience breathing difficulties or develop pneumonia.
How the vaccine works
The vaccine protects babies in their first year of life against severe illness caused by RSV. It is not a vaccination but an immunisation. The vaccine contains antibodies against the virus. The baby does not need to produce these antibodies themselves, as would be the case with a vaccination. The vaccine provides almost immediate protection, which lasts for about six months. Studies in other countries that introduced the vaccine earlier, such as Spain, Portugal and Belgium, show that hospital admissions due to RSV have decreased by about 80% following its introduction.
Very few side effects
There are very few side effects. Possible side effects include rash, swelling or redness at the injection site, or fever. So far, this corresponds with the reports received by the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb regarding the RSV vaccine. The symptoms usually appear within a day of vaccination and resolve on their own. If a baby under three months of age develops a fever, this may be a side effect of the vaccine, but it is still recommended to contact a GP to rule out other causes.
Seasonal vaccine
Babies receive the vaccine just before or during the season when RSV is most prevalent (autumn/winter). The timing of the vaccine depends on the baby’s date of birth:
- Babies born between 1 October and 31 March receive the vaccine within two weeks of birth. This usually takes place at home.
- Babies born between 1 April and 30 September receive the vaccine in September or October, just before the start of the RSV season.