Nirsevimab will provide protection against RSV to around 7,000 high-risk infants and babies born before 32 weeks this year.

Dr Claire Fuller, co-national medical director for NHS England said: ‘This injection will provide premature babies with a protective bubble against RSV just in time for the colder months.

‘It will offer a long-lasting defence helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalisations and serious illness - giving babies the best possible start in life and shielding them from harm.'

In the UK, every year around 30,000 children under the age of five are hospitalised with RSV and it causes around 30 infant deaths.

Nirsevimab – which offers six months' protection in a single dose – will replace monthly injections of palivizumab previously offered to a smaller number of vulnerable babies.

According to clinical trial data, palivizumab provides around 55% protection while nirsevimab offers more than 80% protection against the virus.

In addition, nirsevimab will be offered seasonally to eligible high-risk infants and young children with complex heart, lung or weakened immune system conditions.