New RSV immunisation options for country WA communities

The following announcement is from the Department of Health.

For the first time, RSV immunisation is now available to Western Australians both during pregnancy, and for eligible babies and children born from 1 October 2023.

RSV is a highly infectious respiratory virus that infects over half of all babies in their first year of life.

Prior to 2024, around 1,000 WA babies were admitted to hospital with RSV each year. In 2024, the RSV infant immunisation program prevented over 500 RSV hospitalisations.

A single dose of the maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, or the infant immunisation, Beyfortus, provides crucial protection to babies in their first months of life when they are most vulnerable.

Parents are urged to either get immunised during pregnancy (between 28 and 36 weeks), or get their baby immunised if born from 1 October 2024.

Some children born from 1 October 2023 may also be eligible if they are at higher risk of getting sick – speak to your local immunisation provider.