Maternal RSV vaccination (Abrysvo®) fact sheet - Information for pregnant women

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness. This fact sheet is about the maternal RSV vaccination for pregnant women (Abrysvo®)​. For information about RSV, see the RSV fact sheet. For information about the infant RSV immunisation product for babies (nirsevimab also known as Beyfortus®), see the Infant RSV immunisation product (nirsevimab) fact sheet​​.

Last updated: 17 January 2025
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​​​​What is the maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo®?

Abrysvo® is a maternal RSV vaccine. It helps your body make antibodies, which are proteins that fight infection. Studies show that babies of mothers who had Abrysvo® during pregnancy were 70% less likely to be hospitalised with RSV in their first 6 months.

How does the maternal RSV vaccine work?

Abrysvo® has proteins found on the RSV virus that help your body make antibodies. These antibodies help protect you from the virus.

When you are pregnant and have Abrysvo®, the antibodies pass to your baby through the placenta. This protects your baby from RSV. Your baby stays protected from birth until at least 6 months of age.

Vaccination during pregnancy is important to protect your baby from serious RSV illness and hospital care during their first 6 months of life when they are most at risk. It is recommended and free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Should my family also get the maternal RSV vaccine?

Only pregnant women are recommended to get one dose of the maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®. Family members and partners are not recommended to get this vaccine.

Where can I get the maternal RSV vaccine?

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider to arrange your maternal RSV vaccine.

Is the maternal RSV vaccine free for pregnant women?

Yes, from 3​ February 2025, Abrysvo® will be free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The NIP offers free vaccines to eligible people to protect them from serious illnesses. Some providers might charge a fee for giving the vaccine.

To learn more, visit Department of Health and Aged Care - National Immunisation Program.

Can the maternal RSV vaccine be given at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines?

Yes, you can get the Abrysvo® at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines like whooping cough and flu vaccines.

When should I have the maternal RSV vaccine?

The best time to get the maternal RSV vaccine is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It is best to get it as close to 28 weeks as possible for the best protection.

This gives enough time for your body to produce enough antibodies to protect your baby when they are born. If you get the vaccine less than 2 weeks before giving birth, your baby may not be fully protected from RSV.

The maternal RSV vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women before 28 weeks. The vaccine can still be given after 36 weeks gestation if having the vaccine earlier is not possible, however if you give birth within 2 weeks of having the vaccine your baby will be offered an RSV immunisation product called nirsevimab at birth to make sure they have enough protection. For more information, see the Infant RSV immunisation (nirsevimab) fact sheet.

Is the maternal RSV vaccine safe for me and my baby?

Yes, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decided Abrysvo® is safe and effective for you and your baby.

Abrysvo® has been tested in studies1,2 with almost 4,000 pregnant women and has a good safety record. The vaccine has been approved in the UK, Europe, Canada, the USA and Australia. Over 100,000 women in the USA have already had the vaccine.

Can the maternal RSV vaccine cause RSV illness?

No, the maternal RSV vaccine cannot cause RSV illness.

What are the side effects of the maternal RSV vaccine?

The most common side effects in pregnant women who got the RSV vaccine are:

  • pain where the needle went in
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • feeling sick (nausea).

If you have other side effects, tell your midwife or doctor.

Rarely, allergic reactions can happen. Your doctor or midwife will check for signs of an allergic reaction after the vaccine.

Where will my vaccination be recorded?

Your vaccination will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and may also be written in your antenatal card.

You can check your immunisation record by logging into your Medicare account in MyGov. Download your record before attending your 28-week appointment or before birth to help your maternity care provider check your vaccination status.

More information

Footnotes

  1. Kampmann B, Madhi SA, Munjal I, et al. Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine in Pregnancy to Prevent RSV Illness in Infants. New England Journal of Medicine 2023;388:1451-1464.
  2. Simões EAF, Center KJ, Tita ATN et al. Prefusion F Protein-Based Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunization in Pregnancy. New England Journal of Medicine 2022;386:1615-1626.

Current as at: Friday 17 January 2025
Contact page owner: Immunisation