​​​Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

​Key facts

​​​​​​​​​Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bubs can get very sick from RSV. They are two times more likely to be hospitalised than other bubs.

Two products help protect bubs from severe RSV:

  • Abrysvo® - a vaccine for pregnant women
  • Nirsevimab (also called Beyfortus™) - an immunisation for bubs and children.​

Both Abrysvo® and Nirsevimab are free for eligible families.

Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you and your bub.

For information about RSV, see the RSV fact sheet. 

On this page

  1. RSV pregnancy vaccine (Abrysvo®)
    1. What is the RSV pregnancy vaccine?
    2. When should I get it?
    3. Can the vaccine make me sick?
  2. RSV immunisation for bubs (Nirsevimab)
    1. What is the RSV immunisation for bubs?
    2. How it is different from a vaccine​
    3. Should my bub have it?
    4. Can my bub get sick from the RSV immunisation?
    5. Where will my child's immunisation be recorded?
  3. More information

RSV pregnancy vaccine (Abrysvo®)​

What is the RSV pregnancy vaccine?

The RSV pregnancy vaccine is called Abrysvo®.

When you get this vaccine during pregnancy, your body makes antibodies and passes them to your bub through the placenta.

It helps stop your bub from getting really sick with RSV and needing to go to hospital.

This protection starts from birth and lasts for at least the first 6 months of life.

This vaccine is only for pregnant women. Other family members do not need this vaccine.

The RSV pregnancy vaccine is free for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

​Studies sho​​w that:

  • bubs whose mums got the RSV vaccine were better protected
  • these bubs were about 70% less likely to go to hospital with RSV
  • the protection lasted for the bub's first 6 months after birth.

When should I get it?

The best time to get the RSV pregnancy vaccine is from 28 weeks of each pregnancy, ideally before 36 weeks.

This gives enough time for your body to produce antibodies to protect your bub when they are born. The vaccine can still be given after 36 weeks of pregnancy if it is not possible to have it earlier.  

If you get the vaccine less than 2 weeks before giving birth, your bub may not be fully protected from RSV.  

You can get the RSV pregnancy vaccine at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines like whooping cough and flu.

Talk to your doctor, midwife, pharmacist immuniser, Aboriginal Medical Service or health care provider about the RSV pregnancy vaccine.

Can the vaccine make me sick?

No, the RSV pregnancy vaccine does not make you sick.

Some people may have mild side effects after the vaccine, like:

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

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

If you experience other side effects, or are concerned about side effects, speak to:

  • your midwife or doctor
  • healthdirect (1800 022 222)
  • Aboriginal Medical Service.

In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

back to top

​

RSV immunisation for bubs (Nirsevimab)

What is the RSV immunisation for bubs?

  • The RSV immunisation for bubs is called nirsevimab.
  • Nirsevimab is a pre‑made antibody that is given as a needle. It starts working straight away to help your bub fight RSV.
  • In NSW, it is recommended for bubs from birth to 6 months of age.
  • The RSV immunisation is free and helps protect your bub from serious RSV illness.

How it is different from a vaccine

  • Nirsevimab is different from a vaccine.
  • A vaccine teaches the body to make its own antibodies, which takes about two weeks.
  • Nirsevimab gives your bub ready‑made antibodies right away.

Studies sho​w that:

  • nirsevimab helps stop bubs from going to hospital with RSV
  • it works more than 80% of the time
  • this protection lasts for the bub's first 6 months.

Should my bub have it?

Some bubs may need extra protection with the RSV immunisation, including if:

  • mum didn't have the RSV vaccine during pregnancy
  • your bub has a medical condition that puts them at higher risk.

If your bub needs the RSV immunisation, it can be given:

  • in the hospital where they are born
  • by a doctor
  • at an Aboriginal Medical Service
  • at a community health centre
  • it is given as a needle.

Your doctor, midwife or health worker will talk with you about whether your bub should have it.

Can my bub get sick from the RSV immunisation?

No, the RSV immunisation does not contain the RSV virus, and it cannot cause RSV illness.

Most bubs don't have any side effects. If they do, they are usually mild and might include:

  • pain or redness in the area where the needle was given
  • swelling and hardness on the skin where the needle was given
  • rash and fever.

If you're worried about side effects, speak to:

  • your nurse, doctor or paediatrician
  • healthdirect by calling 1800 022 222.
  • Aboriginal Medical Service.

In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

Where will my child's immunisation be recorded?

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.

Bring your bubs Blue Book to their immunisation appointment so the health worker can record the immunisation.

More information

To learn more:

Current as at: Wednesday 17 June 2026
Contact page owner: Immunisation