The Federal Government has announced funding for Australia’s first nationwide all-infant RSV immunisation program aimed at tackling the common and contagious respiratory virus that infects almost all infants before their second birthday.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under one, with approximately 12,000 babies hospitalised each year due to severe RSV.

$174.5 million will be invested in providing mums and newborns with the best and most comprehensive protection against RSV, saving parents over $300 on vaccine costs. Scheduled to be implemented ahead of winter 2025, the program will offer free access to two RSV immunisation options: Abrysvo and Beyfortus.

Abrysvo is a vaccine for pregnant women administered between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. Maternal immunisation has been shown to reduce the risk of severe RSV in newborns significantly. Beyfortus is a monoclonal antibody given to newborns and infants to deliver direct protection as they enter their first RSV season. It will also be available for those up to 24 months of age who remain at higher risk of the infection.

State-based infant RSV immunisation programs in 2024 saw a substantial decline in RSV-related hospitalisations by 84 per cent. It is predicted that Australia’s first all-infant RSV immunisation program will keep up to 10,000 babies out of hospital each year once it is rolled out.

For more information, you can read the Immunisation Foundation of Australia’s media release here.