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Subsidised RSV vaccines for SA infants
The State Government will roll out the new program in winter next year, with subsidised vaccines for unprotected newborns and high-risk children.
During its yearly peaks, around 700 RSV cases are reported to SA Health each week.
South Australian babies and children will be better protected against the potentially deadly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after the State Government announced vaccines will be made free next year.
For winter 2025, the program will offer subsidised vaccines for the state’s unprotected newborns aged up to eight months in their first RSV season, and high-risk children aged up to two years in their second season.
It will also be available for infants whose mothers did not have the option to be to be vaccinated against RSV, from 1 April until 30 September next year.
The State Government said this funding will work alongside an expected Commonwealth-funded maternal vaccine program, which is currently being considered by the Federal Government following a recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
SA Health Minister Chris Picton said the Government is committed to ensuring it has enough supplies of the monoclonal antibody to protect vulnerable newborns and infants.
‘This will provide extra assurance for parents concerned about the risk associated with RSV, while we work with Canberra on the optimal approach for a national program,’ he said.
The announcement follows similar programs in other states as demand for the vaccine continues to grow.
RACGP SA Chair Dr Sian Goodson welcomed the rollout and said RSV remains the number one cause of hospitalisation for children aged five and under.
‘We have been advocating for this vaccine to be free to protect South Australian babies,’ she said.
‘I encourage pregnant women and people with babies in South Australia to book an appointment with your GP to get your RSV vaccine and get the protection you need.’
During its yearly peaks, around 700 RSV cases are reported to SA Health each week.
The SA Government said it is now working closely with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to ensure a consistent approach to protecting newborns is taken across the nation next year.
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