Your baby relies on you for protection from the very beginning. Getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is a simple way to help protect them from serious illness in their first months of life. It’s free under the National Immunisation Program and recommended at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.
RSV is a common virus which infects the nose, throat and lungs. For many people it causes mild cold-like symptoms, but for very young babies it can be much more serious. RSV is a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation, and babies under six months are at the greatest risk of severe illness. Serious complications can include bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
How the RSV vaccine during pregnancy helps protect your baby
When you get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, your body makes antibodies. These antibodies pass through the placenta to your baby and help protect them from RSV in their first months of life, when they are most vulnerable. Protection lasts for up to around six months, helping cover the time when babies are too young to build strong protection of their own.
Maternal immunisation reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under six months by around 70%.
These immunisations will reduce hospitalisation rates and keep an estimated 10,000 infants out of hospital each year.
When should I get it?
The RSV vaccine is recommended between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This timing gives your body the chance to build protection and pass antibodies on to your baby before birth. Babies may not be fully protected unless they are born at least two weeks after their mother receives the vaccine.
Is it safe?
The Department of Health, Disability and Aging says the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is safe for both mother and baby. There is extensive evidence showing the safety of recommended maternal vaccines in pregnancy, and studies have found no evidence these vaccines harm unborn babies.
health.gov.au/maternalvaccinations
Is it free?
Yes. Eligible pregnant women can get the maternal RSV vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is available throughout the year.
National Immunisation Program
Where to get the RSV vaccine
You may be able to get the free maternal RSV vaccine from:
- your obstetrician or midwife
- your GP
- a community health clinic
- Aboriginal health services
- a participating pharmacy
It’s a good idea to check with your provider before booking, because not every clinic or pharmacy may stock the free National Immunisation Program vaccine. While the vaccine is free, some providers may charge a consultation or administration fee.
Be an Immunisation Hero
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is a simple step that can help protect your baby during their first, most vulnerable months.
Talk to your GP, midwife or pharmacist about the free RSV vaccine recommended during pregnancy.
Translated videos
RSV expert video with Dr Linny Kimly Phuong
Infectious diseases paediatrician Dr Linny explains what RSV is and answers frequently asked questions. Talk to your health professional about getting your free RSV vaccine.
This video, produced by Department of Health, Disability and Aging, has been translated into:
العربية(Arabic)
简体中文(Chinese Simplified)
繁體中文(Chinese Traditional)
Tiếng Việt(Vietnamese)
Translated fact sheet
This Department of Health, Disability and Aging factsheet provides information about the recommended vaccines available for pregnant women under the National Immunisation Program.
This fact sheet has been translated into:
العربية (Arabic)
简体中文 (Chinese Simplified)
繁體中文 (Chinese Traditional)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)