Pregnant women across Australia could be offered a free vaccine to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from next year, as the government says its in “very late stages” of negotiation.
A highly infectious virus that spreads via droplets, RSV can be particularly serious for babies. The vaccine is given to women during pregnancy to protect newborns in the early months after birth.
RSV is the most common cause of respiratory infections in children. Its symptoms include a runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
The RSV vaccine is not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program (which includes all the vaccines you can get for free throughout your life). It can only be purchased privately for up to $350.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) advises the government on what drugs should be added to the PBS and NIP, and it has recommended adding the Abrysvo vaccine to the program for pregnant women.
Speaking in Adelaide on Wednesday, Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was in late-stage talks with the product’s sponsor, Pfizer, and if they were able to “land a deal” it could be listed on the immunisation schedule in time for winter 2025.
If a baby’s mother didn’t receive the vaccine while pregnant, there’s another medication option– Nirsevimab– which the TGA has approved for high-risk infants and children.
While Nirsevimab isn’t technically a vaccine, experts have said it’s still an effective option for children without antibodies to RSV to prepare them for the winter months, when risk of infection is highest.
At the moment, the federal government can’t roll out Nirsevimab for free, as under the National Health Act, the medication needs to be recommended by the PBAC. That means it’s left up to individual states and territories to decide whether to fund it.
In South Australia, the state government has announced subsidised vaccines for unprotected newborns and high-risk children for next year, alongside the expected Commonwealth-funded maternal vaccine program currently being considered by the federal government.
RACGP SA Chair Dr Sian Goodson welcomed the rollout and said RSV remains the number one cause of hospitalisation for children aged five and under.
“We have been advocating for this vaccine to be free to protect South Australian babies,” she said.
“I encourage pregnant women and people with babies in South Australia to book an appointment with your GP to get your RSV vaccine and get the protection you need.”
In Queensland, all newborn babies and some at-risk infants are also eligible for a free dose.
In Western Australia, the shot is now offered to at-risk babies and those entering their first RSV season.
In New South Wales, infants vulnerable to severe illness, like premature and Indigenous babies, are eligible for free RSV immunisation.
And in the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Victoria there are currently no free RSV immunisation programs for infants.