Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection. It mostly affects young children. RSV symptoms are usually mild. However, some young children can get very sick and need hospital treatment.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander bubs are at higher risk of getting very sick from RSV. They are hospitalised with RSV almost two times as often as the rest of the population.
From 3 February 2025, the maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo® will be free for pregnant women to protect their babies from RSV. It is safe to be given anytime between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, but is usually given at 28 weeks.
An infant RSV immunisation product called nirsevimab will also be available for eligible bubs.
For more information, read the fact sheets:
