RSV Vaccination: What You Need to Know in 2026
- ajohnson3407
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that affects people of all ages. While many people experience symptoms similar to a common cold, RSV can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death in vulnerable groups, particularly infants, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. As RSV cases typically increase during the cooler months in Australia, vaccination has become an important strategy for preventing serious disease.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include:
Runny nose
Cough
Fever
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Most healthy adults recover within one to two weeks. However, RSV can lead to serious complications such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure in high-risk individuals. Older adults and infants under six months of age are particularly vulnerable.
RSV Vaccines Available in Australia
There are currently two RSV vaccines available in Australia:
1. Abrysvo®
Abrysvo® is approved for use in pregnant women and adults aged 60 years and older. It is the only RSV vaccine funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women.
Who is eligible?
Pregnant women are recommended to receive a single dose of Abrysvo® during every pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation to help protect their baby during the first six months of life. The vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program and is available free of charge.
Vaccination during pregnancy allows protective antibodies to pass through the placenta to the baby, reducing the risk of severe RSV infection after birth. For optimal protection, vaccination should occur at least two weeks before delivery.
2. Arexvy®
Arexvy® is approved for adults aged 60 years and over and is the only RSV vaccine currently funded under the National Immunisation Program for older Australians. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Who is eligible for a free vaccine?
Since 15 May 2026, a single dose of Arexvy® is available free under the National Immunisation Program for:
Adults aged 75 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over
Who Else Should Consider RSV Vaccination?
Although not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program, RSV vaccination is also recommended for some adults aged 60 years and over who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk of severe RSV disease, including:
Chronic lung disease
Chronic heart disease
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Immunocompromising conditions
Frailty or residence in aged care facilities
These individuals may be able to receive RSV vaccination through a private prescription after discussing their individual risk factors with their GP.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
RSV can circulate throughout the year, but the Australian RSV season generally occurs between April and September, with peak activity often seen in June and July. Vaccination is ideally given before the start of the RSV season, although it can be administered at any time of the year.
Can RSV Vaccines Be Given with Other Vaccines?
Yes. RSV vaccines can generally be administered at the same time as other recommended vaccines, including:
Influenza vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Your doctor can advise on the most appropriate vaccination schedule for you.
Key Takeaways
RSV is more than just a common cold. It can cause severe illness in infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. In Australia, two RSV vaccines are available:
Abrysvo® – free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation during every pregnancy.
Arexvy® – free under the National Immunisation Program for adults aged 75 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over.
If you are pregnant, over 75 years of age, or have chronic medical conditions that increase your risk of severe respiratory illness, speak with your GP about whether RSV vaccination is recommended for you.
Protecting yourself against RSV can help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications during the winter respiratory virus season.
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The emergence of RSV as a significant health concern in Australia underscores the need for effective vaccination strategies. It is noteworthy that the two available vaccines, Abrysvo® and Arexvy®, target different demographics, reflecting a tailored approach to public health. However, this segmentation may leave some older adults at risk, particularly those not included in the Ozwin eligibility criteria. Comprehensive access remains vital.
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