Is RSV immunisation recommended for you or your family?

written by: Alison Claxton (Clinical Pharmacist)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory illnesses ranging from mild to severe. Infections peak in Autumn and Winter.

The risk of needing hospitalisation from RSV is highest in babies under 6 months, and older people. It is recommended these groups are immunised against RSV to protect against severe infection.

Protection generally lasts for 2 years. The need for further doses has not been established.

Different products are available for different situations:

*RSV vaccination (Abrysvo) is covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks to pass protection to their baby before and immediately after birth.

*Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is funded in NSW for babies under 6 months whose mother did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy. Some babies 6 to 24 months with extra risk factors are also eligible.

Beyfortus is an antibody, not a vaccine but protects against RSV and can be given with other infant vaccines.

* RSV vaccination (Arexvy or Abrysvo) is recommended for:

· people aged 75 years and older**

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older**

· people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged 60 years and older.

** From 15th May 2026 Arexvy will be funded for these groups

Anyone aged 60-75 or with extra risk factors can consider RSV immunisation to protect against RSV. RSV vaccines are not currently funded for these groups.

Speak to your doctor about whether RSV protection is recommended for you or your family.

More information: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/default.aspx https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs-and-other-resources/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-frequently-asked