The government proposes free RSV protection for infants from 1 July 2027. As of 7 October 2026, this is a budget proposal. The choice between antibodies for the baby and vaccination during pregnancy has not been made either.

Has free RSV protection already been approved?

No. The government presented its proposal on 7 October 2026, but Stortinget must approve the funding. Stortinget is Norway’s parliament.

Helse- og omsorgsdepartementet, the ministry responsible for national health policy, wants a free offer across the country. It would become part of the childhood immunisation programme. The aim is fewer seriously ill infants and fewer hospital admissions.

The ministry states the proposed start date of 1 July 2027 in its announcement about proposed RSV protection⁠. The announcement does not provide a free service you can book now. SamfunnPrep explains the current system in its guide to the childhood immunisation programme.

What would the money be used for?

The government proposes NOK 55 million in 2027 for the offer. The cost of a full year is estimated at NOK 110 million from 2028.

These amounts fund the programme; they are not payments to parents. Starting halfway through 2027 and operating for a full year in 2028 cover different periods. See the budget proposal under chapter 710, item 21⁠.

Would the baby receive a vaccine or antibodies?

The method for the national offer has not yet been chosen. The choice will be made through procurement and competition between suppliers.

The alternatives in the budget proposal are:

  • A seasonal offer of long-acting antibodies for infants.
  • A year-round offer of vaccination for pregnant women.

Antibodies give the baby protection directly. This is different from vaccinating the baby. With vaccination during pregnancy, the mother produces antibodies that are transferred to the baby.

Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI), the government agency for public-health knowledge, explains that there is no RSV vaccine for children. Both methods can prevent illness in infants. See FHI’s explanation of RSV prevention⁠.

RS-virus, also called RSV, stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It can cause respiratory infections. Including an offer in the childhood immunisation programme therefore does not necessarily mean a vaccine for the baby.

What applies if you are pregnant now?

The current RSV vaccine for pregnant women requires a doctor’s prescription and payment out of pocket, according to information checked on 7 October 2026. The budget proposal does not make it free now.

FHI recommends the vaccine from week 24 of pregnancy. Helsenorge says there should be at least two weeks between a vaccine containing whooping-cough protection and an RSV vaccine. Helsenorge’s information about vaccines during pregnancy⁠ explains the current offer. Discuss timing and price with your doctor or midwife if it is relevant to you.

Plan around your pregnancy now. Do not assume a future programme will cover a previous vaccination. SamfunnPrep’s guide to RSV in babies describes symptoms, contacting a doctor and current prevention.

What should you follow next?

Follow the budget decision, the choice of method and practical information about the start. The ministry says necessary regulatory changes must also be prepared.

Before planning around the new offer, check who it covers and how the health service will provide it. Continue your baby’s usual follow-up care. SamfunnPrep’s tools overview provides help with other practical family tasks.