Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections. RSV infection can cause severe disease, particularly in very young and older people.   
 
Most young children have been infected with RSV at some stage by two years of age.
 
It is usually seasonal, occurring more frequently in autumn and winter. 

Symptoms

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.  

How is it spread?

RSV can spread easily from person-to-person through: 

  • respiratory droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing 
  • touching objects and surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets

Preventing the spread

RSV vaccination

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. 

2025 RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)  

Maternal vaccination is the safest means of protecting infants and children against RSV.  

From 3 February 2025,a new RSV maternal vaccine Abrysvo® will be available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. It can be given at the same time as pertussis (dTpa) and influenza vaccines.   

Maternal vaccination with Abrysvo ® RSV vaccine protects the newborn baby from severe RSV in the first six(6) months of life through the transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus during pregnancy.  

Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy. (Note - Arexvy® RSV vaccine should not be given to pregnant women)  

From 1 April 2025, the Victorian Government will fund RSV immunisation for infants not protected from RSV though maternal vaccination, and for those with certain risk factors for severe RSV disease, using nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody.   

Vaccine ordering  
 

Ordering for registered immunisation providers is now open for maternal Abrysvo® RSV vaccine.  

Ordering for nirsevimab is anticipated to commence in March 2025.  

Please contact the Immunisation Program on [email protected] for further information.  


For more information regarding RSV vaccination, refer to: 

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 wash hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser.  

  • Regularly clean 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