RSV vaccination
Maternal vaccination protects newborns; older-adult vaccination protects you
RSV season in southern Australia: late autumn through spring. Maternal vaccination ideally given before peak season.
What it is, and why it matters
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia in infants under one year, and a substantial cause of severe respiratory illness in adults aged 75 and over. Australia records around 12,000 RSV-related hospitalisations each year, with infants under 6 months and frail older adults at highest risk.
RSV typically circulates from late autumn through spring in southern Australia. Most healthy people experience it as a cold, but in vulnerable groups it can progress quickly to severe lower-respiratory-tract infection requiring hospital admission.
How rsv vaccination works
Two distinct vaccines are used in Australia for RSV: a maternal vaccine given during pregnancy to protect the newborn through transferred antibodies, and an older-adult vaccine. Both are non-live recombinant protein vaccines.
A separate product, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, is given directly to some infants — this is not a vaccine but provides similar passive protection. Your immuniser will explain which option applies.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are described by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands are confirmed with you at the consultation.
Funding and eligibility for rsv vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Pregnant people, 28–36 weeks gestation
Free under the NIP — single dose during the third trimester to protect the newborn through to about 6 months of age.
Adults aged 75 and over
Recommended; funding arrangements are evolving — your immuniser will confirm current eligibility.
Adults aged 60+ with eligible risk factors
Recommended for ATSI adults aged 60+, severely immunocompromised adults, and those with serious chronic conditions — eligibility set by ATAGI.
Some infants
Long-acting monoclonal antibody available through state programs in winter for infants born to unvaccinated parents.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Maternal: single dose at 28–36 weeks of pregnancy, ideally at least 2 weeks before delivery.
- Older-adult: typically a single dose; the need for periodic boosting is being studied.
- Co-administration with the seasonal influenza vaccine is acceptable.
What to expect
- Sore arm at the injection site.
- Mild fatigue, headache or fever for 24–48 hours.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- For maternal vaccination, the recommended window is 28–36 weeks; vaccinating earlier or later reduces the antibody transfer to the baby.
- A history of severe allergic reaction to a prior RSV vaccine warrants discussion before further doses.
How well the vaccine works
The maternal RSV vaccine reduces severe RSV in babies under 6 months by approximately 70–80%. The older-adult RSV vaccines reduce severe RSV lower-respiratory-tract disease by 70–80% in their first season; longer-term protection is being studied.
FAQs about rsv vaccination
I'm pregnant — when should I get the RSV vaccine?
Between 28 and 36 weeks gestation, ideally at least 2 weeks before your due date. This window allows enough time for antibodies to transfer through the placenta to your baby.
I'm an older adult — am I eligible for free RSV vaccination?
Eligibility and funding for older-adult RSV vaccination are evolving and depend on your age, ATSI status and risk factors. The simplest path is to call us or come in — the immuniser will check current eligibility against your circumstances.
Is the RSV vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. The maternal RSV vaccine has been studied in tens of thousands of pregnancies in clinical trials and post-market surveillance, with no signal of harm to the parent or baby.
Deeper reading on rsv
Book your rsv vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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