The RSV immunisation for bubs is called nirsevimab. The RSV immunisation is a pre- made antibody given as an needle to bubs at birth that helps fight RSV straight away.
This is different to a vaccine, which teaches the immune system to make its own antibodies in about two weeks.
RSV immunisation is free and protects bubs from serious RSV illness for at least 5 months.
Studies show that the RSV immunisation lowers the chance of a bub needing to be in hospital for RSV by more than 80%.
Some bubs may need extra protection with the RSV immunisation if the mother was not vaccinated in pregnancy or they are born with a medical condition that makes them more likely to get very sick from RSV. The RSV immunisation is given in the hospital where your bub is born or from an Aboriginal medical service. It is given as a needle.
Your doctor or midwife will talk to you if your bub needs the RSV immunisation when they are born.
Yes, the RSV immunisation can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
If your bub needs the RSV immunisation at birth, it can be given along with the hepatitis B vaccine and vitamin K injection, which are usually offered to bubs when they are born.
No, the RSV immunisation does not have the RSV virus, and it cannot cause RSV illness.
Most bubs have no side effects. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild and may include:
If you are worried about side effects, speak to:
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
Your child’s RSV immunisation will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
You can see their immunisation record through logging into your Medicare account in MyGov.
To learn more: