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.
The maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo® is free for pregnant women to protect their babies from RSV. It is safe to be given anytime from 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is best to get it as close to 28 weeks as possible for the best protection.
An infant RSV immunisation product called nirsevimab is available for eligible bubs at the hospital where they are born. Eligible bubs and children (up to 24 months of age) can also have nirsevimab through their local doctor, Aboriginal Medical Service and some community health centres.
These services do not routinely stock nirsevimab and must order it for eligible bubs and children. Talk to your doctor about whether your child should receive nirsevimab.
For more information, read the fact sheets:
