Key facts
- Number of doses: One.
- Free for: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over, adults aged 75 years and over, and pregnant women.
- Side effects can include fatigue, headache, muscle pains and nausea, and pain and redness at the injection site.
What is RSV
RSV is a common and highly infectious virus infecting the airways and lungs. It spreads by the small water droplets we create when talking, coughing or sneezing. These droplets can be inhaled by others or land on surfaces, where RSV can live for hours.
What is the RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from RSV. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes RSV, without causing the disease itself.
When a pregnant woman gets the vaccine, her body makes antibodies against RSV. These antibodies pass through the placenta to her baby before birth.
This is called passive immunisation. It can help protect babies from RSV for up to 6 months after birth.
RSV vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against RSV and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information about RSV vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the RSV vaccine
The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over
- adults 75 years and over
- pregnant women.
You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one.
There are no RSV vaccines funded through the NIP for adults aged 60 to 74 years who are not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or for people with medical conditions.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
Infant RSV monoclonal antibody
States and territories provide the RSV monoclonal antibody Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) for free to eligible babies and children including:
- babies up to 8 months:
- whose mother did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy
- who were born within 2 weeks of the mother receiving an RSV vaccine
- who have a condition or circumstance that increases their risk of severe RSV disease whether their mother is vaccinated or not
- young children aged from 8 months to under 2 years who have medical risk factors for severe RSV disease.
Talk to your health professional or contact your state or territory health department to find out more.
How the RSV vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly).
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of RSV vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.
Common side effects include:
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle pains
- nausea
- pain and redness at the injection site.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See safety data for the RSV vaccines for pregnant women and older adults from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook RSV page.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the RSV vaccine is free or recommended for you.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- View our NIP resources.
- Visit our Maternal vaccinations site.
- Read our fact sheets on RSV maternal vaccination and RSV vaccines for older Australians.
- Visit our page on RSV frequently asked questions.
- Read the RSV frequently asked questions page on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.
RSV vaccine
Find out how effective the RSV vaccine is and more about potential side effects.
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