The Immunisation Coalition (IC) welcomes the approval from the Queensland and New South Wales Governments for free access of a new RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for babies and infants at risk of contracting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
First announced by the Western Australian Government and available there from 1 April, this new treatment option, to be rolled out in Queensland, and New South Wales from April, will significantly reduce the risk of lower respiratory tract infections caused by the RSV virus. Many thousands of newborn babies and young infants will be better protected, especially high-risk patients with special medical and aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Professor Robert Booy, Chair of the Immunisation Coalition Scientific Advisory Committee said, “Now that we have 3 States introducing this new preventative treatment for babies, for the commonest cause of hospitalisation in young children, we can look forward to a combined national approach soon”.
Australia has the opportunity to reduce the burden of RSV and the hospitalisation of babies and infants. The timing of this announcement is important. Case numbers of RSV infections continue to climb with NSW experiencing a recent surge. Total case numbers in 2023, January to March is almost 50% higher compared to the same time in 2023.1 According to the National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard (NCDSD), today there are 27,002 confirmed laboratory cases where 15,061 reported in New South Wales.1 The age group most affected are infants between 0-4 years. This is a concerning number as the RSV season is in its early stages.
RSV is a serious disease and primarily affects children under 5yrs and older adults. RSV is the number one cause of hospitalisation in young children, many of which will require intensive care treatment and a significant period in hospital. The more severe respiratory symptoms can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, leading to hospitalisation and even death.2
Offering a preventative RSV treatment will significantly reduce the effects of RSV infection on the patient, and will reduce stress on the family plus burden on the healthcare system.
GPs are set to play a pivotal role in the rollout and immunisation program for RSV. We look forward to how that progresses and that there is sufficient stock available in each State for GPs to place orders. Supporting them will be practice nurses who are an integral part of any immunisation vaccination program.
The Immunisation Coalition looks forward to other States and Territories following suit and approving nirsevimab for free use in babies and infants. We also look forward to other TGA approved RSV vaccines as they become available (this year) with additional indications that cover more Australians affected by RSV.
“Free RSV vaccination for any age group of Australians is an achievement. This is especially important for our youngest and most vulnerable. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness of RSV and highlight that there is available a free preventative treatment option in QLD, NSW and WA”, said Andrew Minton PhD, Immunisation Coalition CEO.
The Immunisation Coalition commends State Governments for providing these funded programs protecting the lives of babies and infants. We look forward to further Federal funding programs of RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody medications.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health, National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, March 2024. https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
- Immunisation Coalition, RSV, 19 April 2023, https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/diseases/rsv/