Australia rolls out landmark RSV immunisation as vaccination rates continue to decline

Australia’s most significant childhood preventative health initiative in nearly two decades is now in full swing, with more than 300,000 doses of immunisations available at no cost to parents to protect against severe RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

While Pfizer’s Abrysvo RSV vaccine for pregnant women has been accessible since February, the launch of Sanofi’s Beyfortus, administered directly to babies, marks the start of a national strategy to tackle RSV – the leading cause of hospital admissions among Australian infants.

“This is an historic moment. For the first time, we can ease the burden on emergency departments and paediatric wards across the country,” said Catherine Hughes AM, Founder of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia.

Yet, vaccination coverage rates in Australia have declined, with new findings linking barriers to access and acceptance.

“While these declines are relatively modest, the ongoing decreasing trend is concerning,” said Associate Professor Frank Beard, Associate Director, Surveillance, Coverage, Evaluation and Social Science at NCIRS. “Although vaccination coverage in Australia is still relatively high by global standards…we can’t be complacent.” 

“The National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program is the most significant childhood public health initiative since the introduction almost 20 years ago of the rotavirus vaccine, which slashed the number of infants hospitalised with severe gastroenteritis,” Hughes emphasised.

Since its rollout in 2007, the rotavirus vaccine has been administered to nearly 90% of Australian babies. She added, “Similar uptake of RSV immunisations would result in 10,000 fewer babies being admitted to hospital each year.”

Babies who receive Beyfortus were 88% less likely to be hospitalised with RSV during their first RSV season compared with those who remained unprotected.

Perth Children’s Hospital physician and vaccination specialist, Professor Chris Blyth, has observed the impact of Beyfortus firsthand in Western Australia, where the immunisation was introduced last year.

“These immunisations are backed by decades of research to provide a safe and highly effective means to prevent severe RSV disease and potentially reduce the risk of long-term respiratory issues, including asthma,” Professor Blyth said.

Beyfortus is offered to babies entering their first RSV season who have not received the maternal vaccine, as well as to high-risk infants entering their second RSV season.

With the peak RSV season approaching, the Immunisation Foundation of Australia is urging parents to act now to protect their infants.

“Right now, an army of healthcare professionals is working to ensure as many babies as possible are immunised ahead of the peak RSV season,” Hughes said. “The message is clear – whether it’s maternal vaccination or infant immunisation, RSV protection is proven to keep babies out of hospital. The most important thing parents can do is speak with a healthcare professional so babies don’t go unprotected.”

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