Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

The RSV vaccine Abrysvo® is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant people.

You can get this vaccine from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. You can also get this vaccine at the same time as other free vaccinations that are recommended during pregnancy.

These include vaccines for:

• pertussis (whooping cough)
• influenza (flu).

This vaccine helps protect newborns from RSV.

Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.

Speak to your maternal care provider about getting this vaccine and other vaccines to protect your baby when they’re born.

Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab) is approved for babies and children up to 2 years old.

From 17 March 2025, the ACT Government will provide Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab) for free to eligible babies.

Eligible babies include those born with risk factors for severe RSV disease. This includes babies whose birth parent received Abrysvo® during pregnancy.

Babies born after 17 March 2025 will also be eligible for Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab) if their birth parent:

• did not receive the Abrysvo® vaccine while pregnant
• had the Abrysvo® vaccine less than 2 weeks before the baby was born.

RSV catch-up program for eligible infants and children

From 17 March 2025, Canberra Health Services will provide a catch-up program offering free Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) for infants and children:

• born between 1 October 2024 and 17 March 2025 who are at high risk for severe RSV disease.
• who are entering their second RSV season and are at high risk for severe RSV disease.

Your maternal care provider will provide you with more information on eligibility for Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab).

Alternatively, speak to them to see if your child under 2 years is eligible.

Eligibility for Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab) is the same for babies born in New South Wales.

Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab) is currently unavailable for private purchase throughout Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children may be at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Contact your healthcare provider or Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services to see if your child under 2 years is eligible for Beyfortus^TM (nirsevimab).

The RSV vaccines Arexvy® and Abrysvo® can be used for adults aged 60 years and older.

These are not free for this group.

They can be bought privately with a doctor’s prescription.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist to find out if these vaccines are right for you.