Maternal RSV vaccine available on NIP from 3 February 2025
From 3February 2025, Abrysvo® will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women to protect their newborn against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Immunisation providers can now order Abrysvo® through the NSW State Vaccine Centre. NIP vaccine supply must not be administered to pregnant women until the program starts on 3 February 2025.
A single dose of Abrysvo® should be offered to all pregnant women between 28 to 36 weeks gestation. Abrysvo® can be co-administered with other antenatal vaccines including pertussis and influenza vaccines.
Maternal vaccination with Abrysvo® protects newborn babies from severe RSV in the first 6 months of life through the transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus during pregnancy. RSV vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants less than 6 months of age by about 70%.
Documentation of vaccination
Maternal vaccinations received during a woman’s pregnancy should be clearly documented on the ‘yellow’ antenatal card or other antenatal cards used in private settings, in addition to the mandatory reporting to AIR. The antenatal option should be selected on AIR when the person presenting is pregnant at the time the vaccine is administered. Clinicians will be required to confirm a newborn infant’s eligibility for Nirsevimab at birth based on the mother’s vaccination record.
Abrysvo® reconstitution
Abrysvo® must be reconstituted using the vial adapter provided – see instructions for use.
Abrysvo® must be stored at +2°C to +8°C and must be protected from light at all times.
Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women. (Note: Arexvy® vaccine should not be given to pregnant women.)
Infant RSV immunisation program to commence March 2025
From 17 March 2025, infants not protected through maternal RSV vaccination or with risk factors for severe RSV disease, will be offered nirsevimab (Beyfortus™), a monoclonal antibody.
GPs will be able to order nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) for eligible infants using the Nirsevimab Order Form which will become available on the NSW Vaccine Centre from 10 March 2025. One form for each individual child must be completed indicating the patient’s eligibility to receive nirsevimab.
newborn infants who are not protected by maternal RSV vaccination or those who have risk conditions for severe RSV disease – these newborns should receive nirsevimab prior to discharge from hospital.
infants born from 1 October 2024 to 16 March 2025 who are not protected by maternal vaccination and did not receive nirsevimab at birth – these infants can receive nirsevimab catch-up through their local GP.
children up to 24 months of age with risk conditions for severe RSV disease entering their second RSV season without known prior RSV infection – these children can receive nirsevimab through their local GP.
Until 17 March 2025, parents of infants eligible for nirsevimab catch-up are provided with a discharge letter advising them to contact their GP to discuss the vaccination, which will be available starting 17 March 2025.
Clinical decision aids are available to assist providers to determine an infant’s eligibility to receive nirsevimab:
Registered nurses (RNs), midwives and enrolled nurses (ENs) can prepare and administer Abrysvo® vaccine and Beyfortus™ under a medication order from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, who must also be available for supervision or advice if required. See NCIRS resource: Administration of vaccines – Scope of practice for healthcare professionals.
Handbook: RSV chapter updated
The Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been updated to reflect the new National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP).
The Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do resource was updated 20 January to include Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (Abrysvo®). This resource provides easy-to-read information on common reactions that may occur after vaccinations.
Hard copy versions of this resource do not contain the RSV vaccine so please download and print for latest version.
NCIRS webinar: RSV immunisation update – new funded programs for infant protection This NCIRS webinar will explore RSV disease and prevention and expand on the new funded RSV programs. The expert panel will present on the new NIP-funded RSV vaccination program for pregnant women to protect their infants and complementary state funded RSV monoclonal antibody programs for infants.
REGISTER9 – 10 February 2025 Start: 9 Feb 5:15pm Finish: 10 Feb 5:00pm
Immunisation Coalition: The 26th Annual Scientific Meeting This event is expected to hold significant importance for the scientific and medical community, government health officials, academics, and various health-related non-government organisations.
NSW Health webinar:NSW influenza vaccination update 2025 Annual NSW Influenza vaccination program webinar to provide information on the NSW 2025 program. Topics include factors contributing to varying influenza impact in NSW in recent years – the impact and outcomes of the 2024 influenza vaccine program, including low uptake in children under 5 years of age – the 2025 influenza vaccines and their use in eligible age groups – strategies to increase uptake in at-risk groups, especially children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women and Aboriginal people – how to optimise your vaccine supplies and maximise uptake of influenza vaccine using the Influenza Vaccination Provider Tool Kit.
Mastering Cold Chain Management: Strive for 5 Guidelines and NIP Vaccinations for Pharmacists This session is specifically for pharmacist immunisers and will cover the importance of cold chain management, ensuring your pharmacy is meeting ‘Strive for 5’ guidelines, and best practices for storing and handling NIP vaccines. Learn about current tools and technologies for monitoring cold chain, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining compliance with regulations. Enhance your skills to improve vaccine storage practices in your pharmacy.
CESPHN Annual Immunisation Update 2025 CESPHN’s annual immunisation update will cover the latest clinical recommendations on RSV, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for 2025, as well as recommendations for vaccines not included on the NIP. The presentation will also cover vaccination for at-risk population groups including children who are unwell, pregnant women, and patients with additional needs.
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