In recent months, about three-quarters of babies have received a vaccine against the RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). As a result, significantly fewer babies are in pediatric ICUs this autumn and winter. Last season, up to February, 178 babies were hospitalized due to RSV. This season, that number is 43 so far. The vaccine against RSV has been part of the National Immunization Program since September 2025. 

The vaccine is administered by youth health care. Babies born up to and including the end of March will still be offered the vaccine during the current season. The earlier babies receive the vaccine, the better. Especially the youngest children have the greatest chance of being hospitalized due to RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). At the moment, RSV is still circulating in the Netherlands.

Fewer IC Intensive care (Intensive care) admissions 

Between September 29, 2025 and February 1, 2026, a total of 43 babies were admitted to Dutch pediatric ICUs with an RS respiratory syncytial (respiratory syncytial) virus infection. In the same period last year, that was 178 babies. That is a decrease of 75%. A large part of the decrease in ICU admissions is thanks to the introduction of the vaccine against RSV. The exact effect of the vaccine will be further investigated in the coming period.

Less pressure on healthcare

Pediatricians are positive about the introduction of the vaccine against RSV. Pediatrician Valerie Sloof from the Wilhelmina Childrens Hospital: “In the pediatric ICU, we currently see a clear decrease in the number of patients with an RSV infection. The enormous pressure we normally experience in winter on the number of available pediatric ICU beds has also decreased.”  

RSV

RSV can cause serious respiratory infections. The virus occurs most frequently in autumn and winter. Especially for young babies, RSV can be dangerous. They can become breathless 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 immunization. The vaccine contains antibodies against the virus. The baby does not have to produce these antibodies itself, as is the case with a vaccination. The vaccine provides almost immediate protection and the protection lasts about 6 months. Studies in other countries that introduced the vaccine earlier, such as Spain, Portugal, and Belgium, show that about 80% fewer children are hospitalized due to RSV after introduction of the vaccine.

Very few side effects

There are few side effects. Possible side effects are rash, swelling or redness at the injection site, or fever. This corresponds so far with reports received by the Dutch Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb National Registration Evaluation of Side Effects (National Registration Evaluation of Side Effects) about the vaccine against RSV. Symptoms usually appear within a day after administration of the vaccine and usually resolve on their own. When a baby younger than 3 months develops a fever, this may be a side effect of the vaccine, but it is advised to contact the general practitioner to exclude other causes.

Seasonal vaccine

Babies receive the vaccine shortly before or during the season in which RSV occurs most (autumn/winter). The timing of the vaccine depends on the birth date:

  • Babies born from October 1 to March 31 receive the vaccine within two weeks after birth. This usually takes place at home.
  • Babies born from April 1 to September 30 receive the vaccine in September or October, shortly before the start of the RSV season.