Pregnant mums and newborns will receive free vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) under the federal government’s new nationwide immunisation program.
Health Minister Mark Butler said children under two years old would be eligible for the jab during winter, when RSV outbreaks usually occur.
The vaccine, known as Beyfortus, will be available through hospitals, immunisation clinics and general practitioners.
Expectant mothers will also have free access to the maternal RSV vaccine, Abrysv.
Parents can typically spend about $300 on RSV vaccination, while gestational immunisation can cost a patient as much as $325.
The $174.5 million program is set to roll out in 2025 and is expected to keep about 10,000 babies out of hospital.
Butler told Today the initiative was a huge win for mums and their babies.
“From the months leading into next winter, all mums, pregnant mums will be able to get access to this vaccine free of charge,” he said.
“And it will make a big impact on the health of our babies.”
Butler said women would have the choice to either take the vaccine Abrysv during pregnancy or have their newborn vaccinated with Beyfortus.
“We expect that as many as 80 per cent of women will take up this vaccine option, as they do for whooping cough. It’s a pretty simple injection,” he said.
“We expect that as many as 80 per cent of women will take up this vaccine option, as they do for whooping cough. It’s a pretty simple injection.”
RSV can cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia and can be potentially life-threatening to babies.
Each year at least 12,000 children under 12 months old are admitted to hospital with severe cases of RSV.
RSV Medical Lead for Sanofi ANZ, Dr Desiree Anthony, welcomed the news.
“We applaud Minister Butler and his state and territory counterparts for the leadership shown in ensuring all babies in all postcodes are offered RSV protection next winter,” Anthony said.
“This preventative health milestone will allow parents to help.”
