We call on the Government to review eligibility for COVID-19 and RSV immunisation to include children born extremely premature (under 28 weeks), particularly those diagnosed with chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Children born extremely premature often have ongoing respiratory vulnerability due to underdeveloped lungs and chronic lung disease of prematurity. Even if no longer requiring oxygen or intensive treatment, structural lung differences can persist. Current COVID-19 and RSV eligibility criteria may not consistently reflect this risk. We ask for a review based on long-term respiratory outcomes and hospitalisation data.