The Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program is expanding from 1 December 2024. This expanded program provides free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation during pregnancy and to eligible infants and young children.
Those wishing to access RSV immunisation are encouraged to contact their preferred immunisation provider to discuss eligibility and book an appointment ahead of time.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with almost all children experiencing at least one RSV infection within the first 2 years of life.
RSV can have a significant impact on infants and young children, as well as their families. This program is focused on protecting infants from birth, as well as those at highest risk of severe disease in the first months of life.
The program
From 1 December 2024, the immunisation products funded under the program are:
- Abrysvo®, an RSV vaccine between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants against severe RSV disease from birth for up to 6 months.
- Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus®), a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides infants and young children protection against severe RSV disease for at least 5 months from administration.
Both products have been determined by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be safe and effective and are approved for use in Australia.
RSV immunisation for newborns, infants and young children
Your baby or infant can get the immunisation if:
- you didn’t have the RSV vaccination during pregnancy
- you were vaccinated less than 14 days before they were born
- their birthing mother’s RSV immunisation status is unknown
- your baby has a complex medical condition that increases their risk of severe RSV disease.