29 January 2025

 

THE Australian Government is investing $174.5 million to give eligible pregnant women free access to the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

 

The free maternal RSV vaccine will be available to women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant, to protect their newborn babies from serious illness.

 

Without subsidy, Australians could expect to pay $300 for the vaccine.

 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs.

 

Almost all infants will be infected with RSV before the age of two, with around 12,000 babies admitted to hospital each year with severe RSV. It is a leading cause of hospitalisation of babies in Australia.

 

Maternal immunisation reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under 6 months of age by about 70 per cent.

 

These immunisations will slash hospitalisation rates and keep an estimated 10,000 infants out of hospital each year.

 

Pregnant women can safely receive the RSV vaccine at the same time as other free and recommended maternal vaccines, influenza and whooping cough, which are already available for free on the NIP for pregnant women.

 

Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler said, “Almost all infants will get RSV in their first two years.

 

“Thanks to the Australian Government, from 3 February, mums and their newborn bubs will have free access to the best and most comprehensive protection against RSV.

 

“This is a world-leading approach to reduce the impact of RSV on babies.

 

“Our combination approach, in partnership with each State and Territory, will ensure that every single infant in Australia is protected ahead of the winter RSV season."

 

Founding Director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, Catherine Hughes, AM said, “This is a huge milestone to help protect infants from RSV and will provide long-awaited support for many Australian families.

 

“We believe an RSV program such as this, is likely to keep 10,000 babies out of hospital every single year.

 

“Australia leads the world with some of the highest maternal vaccination rates, and I expect that to continue with the introduction of a maternal RSV vaccine.”

 

To ensure that every single Australian baby is protected, the Australian Government has worked with all States and Territories to support national access to the monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus™, which provides direct protection to newborns and young children.

 

The Commonwealth has brought together a national working group to support this work.

 

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Australian National University Medical School, Professor Steve Robson said, “Maternal immunisation is a well-established public health approach to help protect newborns from infectious diseases.

 

"Since infants are at the highest risk of severe RSV disease and complications during the first six months of life, maternal immunisation provides the first opportunity to help protect babies against RSV disease.

 

“It is anticipated that through RSV vaccinations, around 10,000 babies will avoid hospitalisation each year as an impact of RSV, and the reimbursement of ABRYSVO is a positive step towards preventing this.”

 

“As an emergency department doctor, I welcome the announcement that RSV vaccines will be made free for pregnant women from February.

 

“And as a government, we are committed to improving healthcare access and giving the best protection to newborn babies."

 

To learn more about the recommended guidance on RSV by the ATAGI, click here to access the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

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