As part of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program, NSW Health has made the Abrysvo vaccine available for women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant (in effect from Monday, 3 February 2025).
The program aims to protect newborn and at-risk infants against RSV and reduce RSV-associated infections and hospitalisations.
The Abrysvo vaccine helps protect newborn babies from severe RSV in the first six months of life through the transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus during pregnancy. It remains the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women.
GPs can download the fact sheet for recommendations on timing, where to find clinical decision aids, ordering supplies and reporting in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and “yellow” antenatal card.
A poster with key points of the NSW RSV Prevention Program, compiled by the SWSLHD Antenatal GPSC Clinical Midwife Consultant.
Respiratory syncytial virus maternal vaccination program information and resources
A list of resources relevant to the respiratory syncytial virus maternal vaccination program are listed below.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- National Immunisation Program schedule
- Immunisation for pregnancy
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
- Australian immunisation Handbook, Respiratory syncytial virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine – Frequently Asked Questions
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine consumer fact sheet
- Maternal vaccinations consumer brochure (can be ordered)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) products – Program advice for health professionals
- CMO letter
- Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do
National Centre of Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation landing page
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- RSV immunisation products – evaluation and expected access
- RSV immunisation products – efficacy and safety
- NCIRS webinar recording (6 February 2025): Australian RSV immunisation update – new funded programs for infant protection
- NCIRS clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration errors
- RSV vaccine safety data – AusVaxSafety
- State and territory nirsevimab (Beyfortus) infant program summary 2025
- Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women – a guide for health professionals
- Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) – Pregnancy and newborn vaccinations
NSW Health