These reports align with the expanded use of RSV vaccines in older adults under the National Immunisation Program.

What you need to know:

• Abrysvo® is the ONLY RSV vaccine recommended for use in pregnancy under the NIP.
• Arexvy® is registered for use in older adults and should NOT be administered to pregnant women.

Providers are asked to take the following steps to prevent administrative errors:

Before vaccination

• Confirm the correct RSV vaccine under the National Immunisation Program
• Confirm patient eligibility, including pregnancy status
• Check the vaccine brand carefully prior to preparation and administration
• Follow the “6 rights” of medication administration (right person, vaccine, dose, time, route, documentation) to prevent vaccine administration error

Storage and handling

• Clearly separate and label RSV vaccines in the vaccine refrigerator
•  Avoid storing Arexvy® alongside vaccines used in antenatal programs where possible

After vaccination

• Report all vaccine administration errors and adverse events to SAEFVIC as soon as possible
• Ensure appropriate clinical follow-up and open disclosure where an error has occurred
• Record all vaccine encounters in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Further guidance on vaccine error management is available on the Department of Health website.