RSV Vaccination: Protecting Babies, Children and Older Adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not a household name, but it should be. This common virus can cause serious illness, especially in babies, young children, older adults and people with health conditions. Until recently, there were very few ways to prevent it. Now, new vaccines and antibody treatments are changing that story.
What is RSV?
RSV spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets or touching contaminated surfaces.
For most people, RSV causes cold-like symptoms such as:
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Runny nose
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Cough
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Fever
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Wheezing or difficulty breathing
But RSV can also cause severe illness, like bronchiolitis in infants or pneumonia in older adults. Even healthy babies can end up in the hospital. In fact, RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants under 6 months.
Protecting Babies During Pregnancy
The best way to protect newborns is by vaccinating their mothers during pregnancy. A single dose of the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is recommended between 28 and 36 weeks.
Why does this matter?
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Vaccination during pregnancy allows antibodies to pass through the placenta.
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This gives babies immediate protection from birth.
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Research shows it reduces severe RSV illness in infants under 6 months by around 70%.
The maternal RSV vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible women. It can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines for pregnancy, such as influenza and whooping cough.
Options for Infants and Young Children
If a mother does not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, babies can still be protected. The RSV monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus™/nirsevimab) is available for:
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Infants up to 8 months old whose mothers were not vaccinated or who were born too soon after vaccination.
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Children up to 2 years old with certain medical conditions.
This antibody treatment acts like a “ready-made” shield, giving babies protection through their first RSV season. It is free through state and territory RSV infant protection programs.
Vaccination for Older Adults
Adults are not immune to RSV. For people aged 60 and over—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—and those aged 50–59 with medical risk factors, vaccination is recommended.
The available vaccines for this group are Abrysvo® and Arexvy®. While not funded through the NIP, they can be purchased privately through GPs or pharmacies.
Safety and Side Effects
Both RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies have been tested and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Common side effects are mild and may include:
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Redness or swelling at the injection site
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Tiredness
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Headache
These usually pass within a few days. Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, are very rare.
Keeping Track of Vaccinations
All RSV vaccinations and antibody treatments should be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). This ensures your health record is accurate and up to date.
Where to Get Vaccinated
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Pregnant women: maternal health specialists, GPs, community health centres, Aboriginal health services, participating pharmacies, and in some areas, local council clinics.
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Infants and children: state and territory RSV infant protection programs.
For specific booking details, check with your state or territory health department.
The Bottom Line
RSV is more than just a cold—it can be life-threatening, especially for babies and older adults. The good news is that prevention is now possible. Whether through vaccination in pregnancy, antibody protection for infants, or vaccines for older adults, Australia’s new programs are helping protect those most at risk.
If you’re pregnant, have young children, or are over 60, talk to your GP or pharmacist today about RSV protection.
