RSV is a common virus that affects the airways and lungs and can lead to serious respiratory illnesses in newborns and infants, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The RSV vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Vaccination during pregnancy is recommended to help protect babies from birth. Research shows it can reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in babies under six months of age by 70%.

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

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

Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss maternal RSV vaccination with pregnant patients, including its safety, effectiveness, and role in protecting infants from birth.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has also released a suite of community awareness resources to share with patients.