Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms and is the leading cause of young children going to hospital.
The Australian Government and SA Health are partnering to deliver a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) maternal and infant protection program in 2025.
As RSV case numbers increase each winter, it’s important to get immunised and protect your baby against RSV as early as possible.
RSV maternal protection program
- A free maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available for eligible pregnant women from 28 weeks pregnancy.
- The RSV maternal vaccine is funded by the Australian Government, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
- Getting the vaccine during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness from RSV in babies younger than 6 months of age by about 70%.
- For further information see RSV maternal protection program – information for pregnant women.
RSV infant protection program
- A free infant RSV immunisation (Beyfortus™) is available for eligible babies, including babies whose mothers did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine, and young children who may need extra protection against RSV.
- The RSV infant immunisation is funded by SA Health and available between 1 April 2025 and 30 September 2025.
- The infant RSV immunisation reduces hospitalisations from RSV by 70%, helping to protect babies from serious RSV-related illness.
- For further information see RSV infant protection program – information for parents and carers.