Record RSV Cases in 2024 Prompt Vital RSV Vaccine Addition to the National Immunisation Program

Australian’s experienced a record-breaking 175,786 RSV cases in 2024, the highest year on record since the disease became notifiable in 2021.

Immunisation Coalition

Australian’s experienced a record-breaking 175,786 RSV cases in 2024, the highest year on record since the disease became notifiable in 2021.1 Alarmingly, 86,205 cases (49%) were in children under four years old.1

In light of these concerning figures, the Immunisation Coalition welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement to include the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women. This initiative, starting from 3 February 2025, is a significant step forward in reducing the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on Australian families and the Healthcare system.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus affecting most newborn babies and infants under 2 years of age.2 Severe RSV infection can lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, resulting in hospitalisation or, in rare cases, death.

RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in infants, with 12,000 hospital admissions annually due to severe RSV infection.3 Since 2021, RSV cases have been rising steadily, with an average annual increase of 146%.1 If this trend continues, Australia is likely to see a further increase in RSV cases in 2025. 

The rollout of Abrysvo® through the NIP is expected to play an integral role in mitigating this trend by protecting newborn infants from birth for the first 6 months. Clinical trials have shown the vaccine reduces hospitalisation due to severe RSV disease by 57% and severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections requiring medical attention by 70%.4

In addition to Abrysvo®, Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody treatment, is currently available free under state-funded programs in Western Australia (WA), Queensland (QLD), and New South Wales (NSW) for babies and infants at risk of severe RSV infection. A hybrid maternal and infant vaccination program offers the best protection against RSV infection. 

“RSV is a virus affecting all ages but is particularly nasty in children. This is a welcomed addition to Australia’s NIP and we look forward to its smooth introduction as states, providers, and suppliers work with the Commonwealth to maximise the benefit for our community” said General Practitioner and Immunisation Coalition Chairman, Dr Rod Pearce AM. 

“The inclusion of Abrysvo® on the NIP is a proactive response to a growing public health issue. It highlights the importance of protecting newborns from RSV, and to reduce the burden on hospitals and stress on parents. The timing is perfect – just before the pre-winter RSV season which should see infection rates decline significantly. After all, this is the goal of the immunisation program” said Andrew Minton, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition.

Pregnant women can also safely receive influenza and whooping cough vaccines concurrently, already available for free under the NIP.

The Immunisation Coalition encourages healthcare professionals, especially GPs and practice nurses, to support the rollout of this program by ensuring pregnant women are aware of their eligibility and the importance of maternal immunisation.

References:

  1. https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
  2. https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/diseases/rsv/
  3. https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/protection-against-rsv-for-mums-and-bubs-with-free-vaccine-available-from-3-february-0
  4. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv#vaccine-efficacy-in-infants-of-vaccinated-pregnant-women

Page Published: 3 February 2025 | Page Updated: 3 February 2025