Preventing RSV
To help minimise the spread of RSV at home, adopt good hygiene practices, including washing hands thoroughly, keeping a distance from people with cold-like symptoms, and disinfecting personal items.
Approved Immunisations for RSV
For the first time, RSV protection is a reality with new preventative therapies that have been proven to prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease and reduce hospitalisation rates. These immunisations are used to protect infants as well as older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
In Australia, RSV immunisations registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration include:
Antibody Therapy for the prevention of RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease in infants entering their first RSV season, and for children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.
Vaccine for Australians aged 60 years and over to protect against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease.
Vaccine for Pregnant Women between 24-36 weeks of gestation for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in infants from birth through 6 months age.
Although approved for use, RSV preventative therapies are not yet widely available for all at-risk Australians.
Availability of RSV Immunisations
RSV immunisation for infants
While the RSV immunisation administered during pregnancy is not yet available in Australia, an antibody-based RSV immunisation (see above) is currently available for some Australian babies, depending on where they live, their age and their health status. Currently, the immunisation is available as follows:
Western Australia – Available until 30 September 2024 for all babies under the age of 8 months, as well as some older babies with certain medical conditions. Full details available here.
Queensland – Available for all newborns, as well as older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and those with certain medical conditions. Full details available here.
New South Wales – Available to eligible hospitalised infants who are at risk of severe RSV. Full details available here.
Vaccine for older adults
The RSV vaccine for Australians aged 60 and over is available in Australia at a cost (on private prescription). It is not subsidised by the Australian Government. Private health insurance coverage may reduce the cost. Speak with your provider to find out more.
For more information on RSV protection and if you, or your child, are eligible, please speak to your healthcare provider.
Get Involved
Do you want to get involved in advocating for access to RSV preventative therapies for all at-risk Australians? Join us to Unite Against RSV.
Resources
Fact Sheet – Antibody Therapy for Infants