Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness. It can make babies and young children very sick.
Two products help protect babies from severe RSV:
Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you and your baby.
Abrysvo® is a maternal RSV vaccine given to pregnant women during each pregnancy.
Studies show the vaccine is very effective. Babies whose mothers had Abrysvo® were 70% less likely to go to hospital with RSV in their first 6 months.
The best time is from 28 weeks of pregnancy, ideally before 36 weeks.
This gives your body enough time to make antibodies to protect your baby. You can still have the vaccine after 36 weeks if you missed it earlier.
Your baby may not be fully protected if you have the vaccine less than 2 weeks before birth. Your baby will be offered an RSV immunisation, called nirsevimab, at birth to make sure they have enough protection.
You only need one dose of Abrysvo® each pregnancy. Partners and other family members do not need this vaccine.
The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) to arrange your maternal RSV vaccine.
Most side effects are mild. They can include:
If you experience other side effects, speak to your midwife or doctor.
If you are concerned about side effects, contact:
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
Nirsevimab is an immunisation that protects babies and infants from RSV.
Newborn babies have immune systems that have not matured yet. They cannot make enough antibodies to fight infection on their own. Nirsevimab gives your baby ready-made antibodies straight away. These antibodies protect them from RSV for their first 5 to 6 months of life.
Studies show nirsevimab lowers the chance of a baby going to hospital with RSV by more than 80%.
In NSW, nirsevimab is free for eligible babies up to 6 months old.
Your baby is eligible if:
Some children aged up to 24 months may need another dose of nirsevimab before their next RSV season if they have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk.
Talk to your doctor about if nirsevimab is recommended for your child.
Most babies and children have no side effects. Mild side effects can include:
If you are worried about side effects, speak to:
Both products are given as an injection.
Yes. Nirsevimab can be safely given with other childhood vaccines.
Babies can have nirsevimab at birth. They can get it at the same time as their hepatitis B vaccine and vitamin K injection. These are routine injections given at birth.
Abrysvo® can be given at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines, like whooping cough and influenza (flu).
Yes. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has reviewed the evidence and determined that nirsevimab and Abrysvo® are safe and effective for you and your baby. Neither nirsevimab nor Abrysvo® can cause RSV illness.
Both products have been widely used overseas. Real‑world safety data shows they work well and are safe.
Your child's nirsevimab immunisation, or the mother's Abrysvo® vaccination, will be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
You can see their immunisation record by logging into your Medicare account in MyGov.