RSV Vaccine in Point Cook

Who RSV hits hardest

According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, RSV infects most children by the age of 2 and is a leading cause of hospital admission for chest infections in babies under 12 months. Most of the babies admitted were otherwise healthy. RSV is also an important cause of chest illness and hospital admission in older people and adults with certain medical conditions.

The maternal vaccine in pregnancy

Abrysvo is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program. It is recommended in each pregnancy from 28 weeks, ideally by the end of 36 weeks. The antibodies you make cross the placenta and protect your baby for up to 6 months from birth. A baby born less than 2 weeks after the vaccine is unlikely to be well protected, which is why the timing matters.

Abrysvo can be given at the same visit as the whooping cough vaccine or a flu vaccine. Your GP can plan the doses alongside your antenatal care.

Protection for babies after birth

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a long-acting antibody injection rather than a vaccine. States and territories supply it free for:

• babies up to 8 months whose mother did not have the RSV vaccine in pregnancy
• babies born within 2 weeks of their mother having the vaccine
• babies with a condition that raises their risk of severe RSV, whatever the mother had
• children aged 8 months to under 2 years with medical risk factors, entering their second RSV season

It is not usually needed in the first 6 months if the mother was vaccinated in time and the baby has no risk condition. Because each state runs its own infant supply, ask about current eligibility at your baby’s 6-week check.

RSV vaccine in Point Cook for older adults

A single dose of Arexvy is free under the NIP for adults aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over, as listed on the health.gov.au RSV page. It can be given at any time of year, but ideally before the RSV season starts. The need for further doses has not yet been established.

If you are 60 to 74

The Handbook also recommends RSV vaccination for people aged 60 and over with a medical risk factor for severe disease, and says healthy adults aged 60 to 74, and adults aged 50 to 59 with a risk condition, may consider it. None of these groups is funded, so the vaccine is bought privately and may need a prescription.

After the injection

Pain and redness where the needle went in, tiredness, headache and muscle aches are the usual side effects, and they last a couple of days. RSV products are not given to anyone who had anaphylaxis after a previous dose or one of its ingredients.

For a baby with RSV, healthdirect advises calling 000 if the child is struggling to breathe, turning blue, grunting or lethargic. A baby under 3 months with a fever above 38°C needs the nearest emergency department straight away.

Common questions