A new, free immunisation is set to protect newborns and infants from RSV next winter.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas in October announced $18.7 million to deliver the vaccine as part of a coordinated national prevention program for unprotected newborns and eligible infants up to eight months.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will complement an expected Commonwealth-funded maternal vaccine.
“We have worked closely with the Federal Government and other jurisdictions to ensure we can deliver a lifesaving RSV immunisation program for all eligible women and babies regardless of their postcode or bank balance,” Ms Thomas said.
The monoclonal antibody is a long-acting vaccine that will be available for Victorian babies and infants whose mother was unable to be immunised or was immunised less than two weeks before delivery.
The infant vaccine provides protection for about five months, which covers the winter peak of RSV infections from April to September.
A dedicated catch-up program will also be offered for eligible Victorian infants aged up to two years who are vulnerable to severe RSV and entering their second RSV season.
In most cases, immunisations will be administered in a hospital setting as part of standard post-birth care, helping parents avoid any additional healthcare costs and time spent attending appointments.
RSV can cause respiratory infections in the airways and lungs such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is especially common in infants and young children, with most infected by the age of two years.
With more than 3800 infant RSV-associated ED presentations in 2023/24 and about 85 percent of those requiring a hospital admission, this vaccine will help reduce pressure on EDs and keep Victorian babies healthy.
For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv.
