Most cases are mild, particularly in older children and adults. Cases may present with the following
symptoms:
• fever
• runny nose
• cough
• wheeze
• sneezing
• decreased appetite
In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. Illness in infants may progress to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which may require hospitalisation.
Infants, young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system are most at-risk of serious illness from RSV.
RSV can spread easily from person-to-person through:
RSV vaccination is recommended for:
all people aged 75 years and older and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older
people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged 60 years and older, and
pregnant women to protect their newborn infant.
An immunisation product is also available for eligible infants.
RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) is available for pregnant women and eligible infants in 2026 for the prevention of RSV associated lower respiratory tract disease
For pregnant women
The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®), available year-round under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), is recommended for pregnant women at 28-36 weeks gestation but may be given after 36 weeks based upon clinical advice.
As the antibodies created following the vaccine can cross the placenta, the vaccine provides passive protection to newborns for up to 6 months after birth.
Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.
Abrysvo® vaccine is not approved for use in infants and children.
Abrysvo® can be safely co-administered with other recommended antenatal vaccinations.
For infants
The Victorian Government-funded infant RSV monoclonal antibody Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) immunisation program will be available from mid-March to 30 September 2026.
Eligibility includes:
Newborn infants (birth dose) and infants up to 8 months of age who:
were born to mothers who did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
were born less than 2 weeks after maternal RSV vaccination, or
have medical conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV disease, as outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, regardless of maternal vaccination status.
Infants and young children from 8 months to 24 months of age who:
are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or
have specific medical conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV disease
Respiratory and Hand Hygiene
Good cleaning, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing the spread of RSV, especially in people with symptoms. You can do this by:
Staying home if unwell.
Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally using a disposable tissue.
Regularly washing hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser.
Regularly cleaning surfaces and objects such as toys that may be contaminated using a household detergent.
Avoiding contact with high-risk groups when unwell, such as infants, young children, older people and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system.
For further information refer Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Better Health Channel
For clinical guidance, including decision aids (newborns, infants), checklist and consent form, fact sheets, toolkit and posters, refer to the department's RSV immunisation resources and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.