Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Information
RSV is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread easily. When an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes, their infectious droplets can be breathed in by others. RSV commonly affects children; however, it can also cause severe illness in older adults.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to help protect yourself from serious disease caused by RSV infection.
Who is recommended to receive an RSV vaccination?
Anyone who wants to protect themselves against RSV can talk to their health professional about getting vaccinated.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends RSV vaccination for specific groups including:
- pregnant women at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy
- people aged 75 years and older and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older
- people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged 60 years and older.
RSV monoclonal antibodies are recommended for:
- young infants up to 8 months of age whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccine in pregnancy, or who were vaccinated less than 2 weeks before delivery
- young infants up to 8 months of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, regardless of their mother’s vaccination status
- children aged 8 months to under 2 years who have medical risk factors for severe RSV disease in their second RSV season.
What’s the cost?
- Free for all adults aged 75 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over – RSV vaccine Arexvy will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- Free for pregnant women of all ages for each pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation to protect the infant via passive immunisation – A single dose of Abrysvo vaccine is recommended and NIP-funded.
- Approximately $300 for other group (need a script from your medical practitioner.
We have launched the RSV vaccine NIP program. Book Now below link or call 9791 0777
