A new vaccine to protect against RSV could be available by the end of this year.

The Irish Independent reports vaccines are due to be available in time for winter, and would be given to pregnant women.

People aged 60 and older would also be prioritised for the jab.

The vaccine by Pfizer is subject to approval from the European Medicines Agency, and subsequent sign off from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee in Ireland.

Between September and November last year, 1,689 people were hospitalised here with RSV.