.

In 2025, pregnant women will have access to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), marking a significant step forward in protecting newborns from this serious illness.

This free RSV vaccine is a key step in giving Australian infants vital protection during their most vulnerable months.

RSV is a common and potentially severe virus that primarily affects infants, causing infections in the nose, throat, and lungs. It’s a leading cause of hospitalisations in young children, especially infants under six months. In some cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring medical intervention.

RSV symptoms can range from mild to severe. Early signs include:

Infants under 12 months old are at the highest risk, especially those under six months.

The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. By receiving the vaccine during this period, mothers can pass on protective antibodies to their unborn babies, shielding them from RSV in the crucial first months of life.

Studies show that getting vaccinated during pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV-related illness in infants under six months by approximately 70%.

The inclusion of the RSV vaccine in the National Immunisation Program represents a pivotal moment in public health. It offers a consistent, national approach to safeguarding infants from RSV, providing peace of mind for parents knowing that their newborns have added protection against this potentially dangerous virus.

Vaccinations are now available and to be eligible for a free RSV vaccine, you must hold or be eligible for a Medicare card.

In addition to the upcoming NIP program, existing initiatives, such as the NSW RSV Vulnerable Babies Program, have already demonstrated success in preventing RSV.

The program has provided treatment to more than 4,500 vulnerable infants, with 86% of these babies being under six months old.

Preliminary data shows the program reduced RSV cases by 25% in infants under six months compared to those aged 12-18 months.

While the new vaccine is a major tool in combating RSV, there are other ways individuals can help protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses, including RSV:

By taking these simple precautions, we can help reduce the spread of RSV and protect the health of those around us, particularly the most vulnerable.