RSV infant immunisation programs now open across Australia

Immunisations for infants who are not already protected against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now available across Australia, including in general practices.
 
All states and territories have launched programs for nirsevimab (sold as Beyfortus), a long-acting monoclonal antibody for infants who have not already received a maternal vaccine.
 
Seasonal immunisation programs began on 1 April in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, with year-round programs already under way in other jurisdictions.
 
It follows the launch of the free RSV vaccine Abrysvo for women who are between 28 to 36 weeks' pregnant under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) on 3 February this year.

The nirsevimab immunisation, which is funded by state and territory governments, is also available in several states for high-risk infants entering their second RSV season.
 
Chair of RACGP Victoria Dr Anita Muñoz said the program will save lives.
 
‘Some families may not realise almost all infants will experience an RSV infection, and the number one action you can take to help keep your family as safe as possible is to ensure your children are vaccinated,’ she said.  
 
‘If you missed out on the maternal vaccine, your baby may be eligible for the infant immunisation which will protect them ahead of the peak season for this virus.’
 
Catherine Hughes, who founded the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, described the launch of the nationally consistent program as a ‘historic moment’.
 
‘The National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program is the most significant childhood public health initiative since the introduction almost 20 years ago of the rotavirus vaccine, which slashed the number of infants hospitalised with severe gastroenteritis,’ she said.
 
‘Since its rollout in 2007, the rotavirus vaccine has been administered to almost 90% of Australian babies.
 
‘Similar uptake of RSV immunisations would result in 10,000 fewer babies being admitted to hospital each year.’
 
There were 175,921 RSV cases reported in 2024, compared to 129,944 for the previous year.
 
In Australia, the disease is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants, with around 12,000 hospital admissions annually due to severe infection.
 
So far, there have been more than 23,000 RSV notifications this year, including more than 11,000 among children aged under five.
 
Recent research carried out at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia found nirsevimab is 88.2% effective at preventing RSV hospitalisation among young children in a study group in Western Australia. 
 
The state-based immunisation programs aim to complement the Commonwealth-funded maternal vaccine program, which was introduced following a recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee last year.
 
A catch-up program for older babies going into their first RSV season is available in some jurisdictions, with varying availability. For full details, see the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance website.

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Abrysvo Beyfortus National Immunisation Program RSV