National Immunisation Program update – maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

The maternal RSV vaccine will be available for eligible pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Date published:
Audience:
General public

From 3 February 2025, women will be able to receive the free RSV vaccine between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their newborn baby from RSV.

RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies and infants. It infects their nose, throat and lungs. It is a leading cause of children going to hospital.

When women have an RSV vaccine in pregnancy, they pass antibodies to their baby through the placenta. This helps to protect their newborn baby from birth. Getting a vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants less than 6 months of age by about 70%.

You can receive free NIP vaccines if you have, or are eligible for, a Medicare card.

Read more about vaccinations during pregnancy or speak to your health professional for more information.

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