As part of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program, NSW Health will make the vaccine Abrysvo available for women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant from Monday, 3 February.
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.
To further support healthcare providers, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance will host an Australian RSV immunisation update webinar. The webinar will take place on Thursday, 6 February, from noon to 1.30 pm. The session will cover new funded programs for infant protection and provide insights into RSV disease and prevention. It will feature expert presentations and a live Q&A session, encouraging audience participation.
A poster with key points of the NSW RSV Prevention Program, compiled by the SWSLHD Antenatal GPSC Clinical Midwife Consultant.