Victorian newborns to receive free RSV protection, ensuring a healthy start

By Pip Turton

Apr 13, 2025

Parents Navid and Jennifer with their child Sam, Premier Jacinta Allan, parents Anna and Samuel with their child Tommy, Children Minister Lizzie Blanthorn and state Member for Footscray Katie Hall. Photo by Contributed

Victorian babies will be safer from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this winter, with a long-acting immunisation available free for eligible families through September 30.

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A free RSV immunisation program for Victorian newborns and infants commenced on April 1, running until the end of September, offering protection to about 40,000 babies during the RSV season.

"We are supporting mums, dads and bubs so they can have the best start to family life together," Premier Jacinta Allan said.

The program provides nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, administered in hospital as part of standard post-birth care for newborns whose mothers were not vaccinated during pregnancy.

Eligible infants up to two years who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease can access the protection through a catch-up program.

"No matter where you live in Victoria, the mother and infant RSV protection program is now available,“ Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“While pregnant women can now access an RSV vaccine, protection is administered to newborns and vulnerable infants at no cost, so no-one misses out, and Victorian families can have peace of mind heading into winter.”

The initiative complements the Commonwealth maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, which began in February.

RSV, affecting up to 90 per cent of children within their first two years, is Australia's leading cause of infant hospitalisation.