The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infant protection program is an immunisation program funded by the State Government. The infant program provides a free infant RSV immunisation (brand name Beyfortus™) to babies and young children that need extra protection against RSV.
This program complements the national RSV maternal protection program, which provides free RSV vaccination (brand name Abrysvo®) to pregnant women to protect their baby against RSV from birth. See more information about the Australian Government’s maternal RSV protection program.
In South Australia, RSV cases are highest in winter each year, especially in June and July. Getting your baby immunised before winter gives them the best protection against RSV during the peak season.
What is the RSV infant immunisation?
The infant RSV immunisation gives babies ready-made antibodies. These antibodies take 2 to 3 days to provide protection and help protect babies from serious RSV illness for at least 5 months.
Studies show that the infant RSV immunisation reduces hospitalisations from RSV by 70%, helping to protect babies from serious RSV-related illness.
This immunisation works differently from a vaccine. Vaccines help the body make its own antibodies to fight an infection and can take 2 to 3 weeks to provide protection.
Eligible babies and children require one dose of the infant RSV immunisation to provide protection during the peak RSV season.
Eligibility
Between 1 April and 30 September 2025, the following babies and children can receive a free infant RSV immunisation through the state supported program.
Babies less than 8 months of age, who are South Australian residents, can get the free infant RSV immunisation if:
- their mother was unable to be vaccinated with the maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
- their mother got the maternal RSV vaccine less than 2 weeks before they were born, or
- they have a high-risk condition, even if their mother had the maternal RSV vaccine.
Some children less than 2 years of age, who are South Australian residents, can get the free infant RSV immunisation if they have a high-risk health condition.
High-risk health conditions include:
- being born early (before 32 weeks of pregnancy)
- heart problems from birth
- a weakened immune system (from organ transplants or certain medical conditions)
- chronic lung disease needing oxygen or breathing support
- conditions that make breathing harder
- cystic fibrosis with severe lung disease or poor growth
- trisomy 21 or another genetic condition that increases RSV risk.
If you’re not sure if your baby or child is eligible, talk to your doctor.
How to access
The infant RSV immunisation is available:
- for newborns through birthing hospitals in South Australia, and
- for older babies and children through hospital paediatric clinics and most GPs.
Eligible newborn babies should be offered the infant RSV immunisation prior to discharge from hospital to ensure the earliest protection possible.
If you’re unsure if your child is eligible, ask your doctor.
While the immunisation is free for eligible babies and children, some providers may charge a fee for their service. Ask about fees when making an appointment.
Safety
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested and approved the infant RSV immunisation in Australia, and it has been proven to be safe and effective for babies and young children.
It is safe for your child to get the infant RSV immunisation either on its own or at the same appointment as their other routine childhood immunisations.
After the immunisation, it is still possible to get RSV, but it will usually be much milder.
The infant RSV immunisation can be given even if your child has had an RSV infection before.
Side effects
Most babies and children have no side effects. If they do, they may experience:
- fever
- pain, redness, and swelling where the injection site was given
- rash.
If any side effects occur, they usually start within a few hours and go away in 1 to 2 days.
If you are worried about side effects, speak to:
- your nurse, doctor or paediatrician
- healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
All unexpected side effects should be reported to your doctor, immunisation provider or directly to the Immunisation Section, SA Health. You can phone the Immunisation Section on 1300 232 272 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.