Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection during winter and mostly affects young children in the first two years of life.

RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies as it infects their nose, throat, and lungs. It is a leading cause of children going to hospital.

Getting vaccinated in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in babies less than 6 months of age by about 70%.

The RSV maternal and infant protection program will be available for eligible pregnant people, infants and young children ahead of the winter season, to protect against serious illness from RSV.