RSV vaccination during pregnancy – your questions answered

RSV is a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation. Almost all children will be infected with RSV in their first two years of life. Even otherwise healthy children can develop severe RSV disease and need hospitalisation.

Below you’ll find answers to some common questions parents and carers have about RSV disease and RSV vaccination. For more information, visit health.gov.au/maternalvaccinations.

WHAT IS RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV symptoms include coughing, a fever, a runny or stuffy nose, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Most people experience a mild illness and will recover in one or two weeks. Some people recover easily while others get very sick.

RSV infection can affect anyone. It’s especially serious for infants aged 12 months or under, young children, and older adults with chronic health conditions.

WHO SHOULD GET THE RSV VACCINATION?
Women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant are recommended to receive the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) to protect their baby against serious illness from RSV. Maternal vaccination reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants by around 70%.

It is safe for pregnant women to receive the RSV vaccine at the same visit for other National Immunisation Program vaccines. These include the maternal influenza and whooping cough vaccines if recommended by their trusted health professional.

HOW DOES GETTING AN RSV VACCINE WHILE PREGNANT PROTECT MY BABY?
When you receive the maternal RSV vaccine, your immune system produces antibodies that pass through to your baby via the placenta. These antibodies protect your infant against RSV from birth for up to 6 months.

WHERE CAN I GET AN RSV VACCINE?
Pregnant women can get an RSV vaccination from their general practitioner, local immunisation clinic, community health centre, Aboriginal Medical Service, or from participating pharmacies.

Not all health services will offer the free maternal RSV vaccine. Check with your health professional or health service to find out:
• if they can provide National Immunisation Program vaccines 
• when you can book in to have the vaccine
• if there is a consultation or service fee required to get the free vaccine.

RSV IMMUNISATION FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
States and territories provide RSV immunisations for free to eligible infants. Visit your state or territory health department website for more information about infant and child protection programs or speak to your health professional.

Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing