Pregnant women will be eligible for a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine from next month, under the National Immunisation Program, in a bid to combat the highly infectious disease.

A similar vaccine for seniors was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration last year to protect those most vulnerable from RSV, the number one cause of hospitalisation in children under five and a leading cause of illness and hospitalisation in the elderly.

RSV infections spiked in 2024 with Health Department data showing 165,130 confirmed cases, up from 128,115 in 2023, a rise of almost 40,000 cases. This led the Federal Government to roll out a free vaccination program for mothers and babies from February, with all women at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy eligible.

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Last year more than 64,000 of the nation’s recorded RSV infections were in children aged under five, while 27,440 people aged 60 and over had the illness.

RSV is a common virus that can cause mild symptoms but can also lead to serious illness in older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. Vaccination helps prevent severe complications and hospitalisations.

About 12,000 babies nationwide are admitted to hospital each year with RSV. The virus affects the nose, throat and lungs, and can cause severe respiratory tract infections in babies and children, leading to bronchiolitis, pneumonia and asthma. 

“Almost all infants will get RSV in their first two years,” says Federal Health Minister Mark Butler.

“Thanks to the Australian Government, mums and their newborn bubs will have free access to the best and most comprehensive protection against RSV. This is a world-leading approach to reduce the impact of RSV on babies.”

RSV vaccinations are free for eligible people when administered by GPs, antenatal care providers, or immunisation clinics as they are funded by the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Those aged 75 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, people aged 60 and over with certain medical conditions and from February, pregnant women, can all access free RSV vaccines in NSW.

Pharmacists, however, are not funded by the NIP and must charge for both the vaccine and its administration, even for those eligible for free vaccines elsewhere. People who do not qualify for free vaccination must pay out-of-pocket regardless of where they receive the vaccine. 

Contact your local pharmacy, GP, or clinic to confirm vaccine availability, costs, and eligibility. Costs and regulations may vary between providers, so it’s best to check in advance.