RSV vaccine now available at no cost for eligible pregnant women

The free RSV vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program, supporting newborn protection.

From 2025, pregnant women will have access to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), – a major step forward in protecting newborns during their most vulnerable months.

This free RSV vaccine offers vital protection to Australian infants, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness early in life.

What is RSV?

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.

Symptoms of RSV

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

• Runny nose
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing and sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing

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

All about the RSV vaccine

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.

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.

Simple steps to help reduce the spread of RSV

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:

• Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms, and wear a mask if you need to leave your home.
• Meet outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces with open windows and doors.
• Avoid crowded places, especially with those at higher risk.
• Don’t visit vulnerable individuals if you are showing symptoms of illness.
• Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing your hands.

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.