Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can lead to serious outcomes in older adults such as pneumonia. The risk of severe RSV illness rises with increasing age and if you have certain medical risk factors.
For adults, the risk is greater from age 75, while for Aboriginal adults and adults with risk conditions the risk is greater from 60 years of age. RSV-related respiratory hospitalisations are also much more common in adults over 65, occurring around 35 times more often than in people aged 18–64 years.[1] Aboriginal adults are up to twice as likely to be hospitalised for RSV as other Australians.[2]
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently announced their program for free RSV vaccines for older Australians. Resources for the program can be accessed at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's website.
An RSV vaccine, Arexvy®, is free for:
RSV vaccination is also recommended (but not funded) for people aged 60 years and older who have specific conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease.
RSV vaccines are both safe and effective. The Therapeutic Goods Administration ensures the safety and efficacy of all vaccines, products, and medicines before they are approved for use in Australia.
In a large clinical trial, adults aged ≥60 years who received Arexvy® were 83% less likely to develop RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease, and 94% less likely to develop severe disease in their first year after vaccination.[3] At the end of 3 RSV seasons (or 3 years), the vaccine continues to provide protection; vaccine recipients were 63% less likely to develop RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease and 72% less likely to develop severe disease.[4]
Arexvy® can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines, such as COVID-19, influenza, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines. Speak with your doctor about other recommended vaccines.
An RSV vaccine can be given at any time of the year, but it is recommended to get it before the start of the RSV season (April – September) where possible. The RSV season peaks in June and July.
Common side effects of RSV vaccines are generally mild. They include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, and headaches. These usually last for just a few days and go away without any treatment. Talk to your health professional if you have questions about side effects of Arexvy®, or read the Consumer Medical Information.
The free RSV vaccine for older adults (Arexvy®) will be available to order from the NSW state vaccine centre from 20 April, with vaccine distribution commencing from 4 May, ahead of the program start date on 15 May 2026.
More resources for health professionals will be available soon.
For more information, read the fact sheets: