Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious respiratory virus. RSV spreads by respiratory droplet infection by inhalation from an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

While most people experience mild, cold‑like symptoms, RSV can cause serious illness in infants, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. Each year, RSV leads to thousands of hospitalisations across Australia.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against serious disease caused by RSV.

For more information, visit the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

RSV vaccination for older adults

National Immunisation Program RSV for older adults

From 15 May 2026, RSV vaccine Arexvy® is funded through the National Immunisation Program for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over
• all people aged 75 years and over.

Arexvy® can be co-administered with other vaccines if required.

Learn how Arexvy® is prepared PDF (933.8 KB).

Order Arexvy® vaccines using the NIP vaccine order form found under the forms and reporting tab on the immunisation program webpage.

For more information visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

RSV Maternal and Infant Protection Program

RSV is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease hospitalisation in infants aged <12 months.

The RSV Maternal and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) is a comprehensive approach that includes Abrysvo®, a maternal vaccine and Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), an infant monoclonal antibody.

Maternal vaccine

RSV vaccine Abrysvo® is recommended for pregnant women to protect their newborn infant. Vaccinating women during pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV illness in infants under 6 months of age by around 70%.

Women from 28 weeks of pregnancy are recommended to receive a free RSV Abrysvo® vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) with every pregnancy.

Abrysvo® can be co-administered with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (dTpa), and influenza vaccines if required.

Order Abrysvo® vaccine using the NIP vaccine order form found under the forms and reporting tab on the immunisation program webpage.

Important

• Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women.
• Abrysvo® is not registered for use in infants and must not be administered to an infant or child.

Resources

• Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women – a guide for health professionals
• Abrysvo - instructions for use PDF (580.2 KB)
• Maternal vaccinations brochure
• RSV poster PDF (1.5 MB)

Infant monoclonal antibody

Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) is a monoclonal antibody funded by the NT and is available in maternity and paediatric services only.

Infants eligible to receive Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) are:

• Infants (at birth) of mothers who did not receive Abrysvo® vaccine during pregnancy.
• Infants (at birth) delivered within 2 weeks of maternal Abrysvo® vaccination.
• Infants and young children with conditions associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Important

Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) is a monoclonal antibody and is only available in maternity and paediatric services.

Resources

• Flowchart to guide which infants should receive nirsevimab in their 1st RSV season
• Beyfortus® (nirsevimab) RSV monoclonal antibody schedule PDF (161.6 KB)

Further resources

For more information read:

• Administration of RSV vaccines and RSV monoclonal antibodies by age group or cohort poster
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) frequently asked questions
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation
• Clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration errors