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Public Health Alert: Protecting against RSV

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infection, particularly in young infants and older adults. Symptoms range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The virus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Who should get immunised?

The Australian Immunisation Handbook (the Handbook) recommends the following groups for RSV immunisation.

RSV vaccination is recommended for:

  • Pregnant women: a single dose of Abrysvo® is recommended for use in pregnant women at 28–36 weeks gestation to protect their newborn infant. This is provided free on the National Immunisation Program.
  • Older adults: a single dose of RSV vaccine (either Abrysvo® or Arexvy®) is recommended to protect all people aged ≥75 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥60 years, and people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged ≥60 years. A private prescription is required.

RSV monoclonal antibodies are recommended and funded for:

  • Infants: a single dose of Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is recommended before their 1st RSV season in young infants whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccine at least 2 weeks before delivery, and in young infants who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, regardless of their mother’s vaccination status.
  • Children up to 24 months of age who have medical risk factors for severe RSV disease in their 2nd RSV season. The dose of Beyfortus™ for older children entering their 2nd RSV season is 200 mg, given as 2 intramuscular injections (2 × 1 mL of the 100 mg/mL formulation) at 2 different sites (preferably separate limbs, or else separated by 2.5 cm) during the same visit.

Avoiding vaccine administration errors

Healthcare providers must ensure that every vaccination administered follows the advice from the Handbook – Preparing for vaccination. This ensures appropriate checks are done to avoid a vaccine administration error (VAE). Another useful tool is the 7 rights of vaccine administration.

Resources and support

NCIRS has released a suite of resources to support the new RSV vaccination programs, including FAQs, clinical guidance on RSV administration errors.

For more information visit our weekly Immunisation update.

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