THE Australian Government has announced that its program to provide eligible pregnant women with free access to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Abrysvo will commence 03 Feb.
The initiative, which was announced last year (PD 12 Nov 2024), provides women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant with the free vaccine, which would otherwise cost $300, to protect their newborn babies from serious illness.
As a vaccine listed on the NIP, funding of the administration of the vaccine by community pharmacists will be covered under the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program in participating community pharmacies.
Pharmacists in most states are permitted to administer the RSV vaccine to pregnant women.
"Almost all infants will get RSV in their first two years," said Health Minister Mark Butler.
"Thanks to the Australian Government, from 03 Feb, mums and their newborn bubs will have free access to the best and most comprehensive protection against RSV," he said, adding that this is "a world-leading approach to reduce the impact of RSV on babies".
The initiative has been welcomed by medical professionals and immunisation peak bodies.
"Maternal immunisation is a well-established public health approach to help protect newborns from infectious diseases," said Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Steve Robson.
"Since infants are at the highest risk of severe RSV disease and complications during the first six months of life, maternal immunisation provides the first opportunity to help protect babies against RSV disease.
"It is anticipated that through RSV vaccinations, around 10,000 babies will avoid hospitalisation each year as an impact of RSV, and the reimbursement of Abrysvo is a positive step towards preventing this," Prof Robson said.
The Department of Health has advised that the RSV chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated to reflect the new National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program.
Updates include funding statements for all pregnant women to be eligible to receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, and clarification for the use of nirsevimab in infants and children with conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease in their second RSV season.
See the RSV chapter HERE.
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