RSV Immunisation Program South Australia: Free Vaccine for Mothers and Infants Reduces Hospitalisations

South Australia is leading a major public health initiative with its RSV immunisation program, offering free protection to expectant mothers and young children against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Launched in early 2025 by the Malinauskas government, the program is already showing remarkable results — over half of infant RSV cases have been prevented, and hospital admissions have plummeted. But how did this program come into being, and what does it mean for families across the state?

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The RSV Threat & Why Protect Pregnant Women and Infants

RSV immunisation program South Australia is a common virus that can cause mild cold-like symptoms in older children and adults. However, in infants under six months, it often leads to severe complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, frequently requiring hospitalization. Studies show infants face the highest RSV-related hospitalisation rates in their first year of life

RSV immunisation program South Australia

Pregnant women can pass protective antibodies to their unborn child—a process known as passive immunisation. The RSV vaccine Abrysvo, approved for pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation, delivers approximately 70% protection for babies in their first six months

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Inside South Australia’s RSV Immunisation Program

South Australia’s RSV Maternal & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) is part of a federally co-funded scheme under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The State funds infant protection using the monoclonal antibody Beyfortus (nirsevimab). Registered GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, Aboriginal health services, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service deliver the program SA Health+1Adelaide PHN.

Since its launch:

• 70%+ of eligible pregnant women received the free Abrysvo vaccine.
• Over 3,400 infants were given free Beyfortus.
• Infant RSV infections dropped by nearly 50% compared to similar figures in 2024.

Health Minister Chris Picton says, “RSV can be extremely dangerous for children—it’s wonderful our immunisation program is making such a difference,” while Chief Public Health Officer Prof. Nicola Spurrier highlights confident early results and plans for comprehensive evaluation Adelaide Now+1News.com.aupremier.sa.gov.au.

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National Context & Broader Funding Landscape

Nationwide, from 3 February 2025, the RSV vaccine for pregnant women (Abrysvo) became part of the National Immunisation Program News.com.auACN. The federal NIP normally excludes RSV immunisation for older adults, who currently must pay privately—a concern given their high risk Herald SunThe Australian.

But the South Australian program goes further, providing infant protection and making it accessible through multiple health outlets—an approach recognized and supported by the Royal Australian College of GPs RACGP.

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Impact: Numbers That Speak Volumes

Consider these statistics:

• Before the program, SA saw nearly 2,000 RSV cases in infants under one year, with 350 hospitalisations RACGPThe Australian.
• With maternal vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, RSV cases in infants dropped by roughly 50% in just one year.
• Hospital admissions among RSV-positive infants are now just 9%, highlighting a significant reduction in severe illness.

Such outcomes underscore the effectiveness of early life RSV protection and validate the state’s decision to invest in both maternal and infant immunisation.

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How the Program Works

Maternal Vaccination (Abrysvo):

• Eligibility: Pregnant women at 28–36 weeks gestation.
• Delivery: Administered through GPs, maternal health clinics, pharmacies, and health services Adelaide PHNACN.
• Protection Mechanism: Antibodies pass from mother to baby, providing immunity at birth The Australian Immunisation HandbookHunter Medical Research Institute.

Infant Protection (Beyfortus):

• Available to infants under 8 months who were unprotected at birth, or children up to 2 years with high-risk conditions Adelaide PHNRACGP.
• Delivered during RSV season (April–September).

Accessibility: Multiple distribution points ensure families can access the program easily Adelaide PHNSA Health.

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What the Future Holds: Expanding Protection

A full program evaluation is planned, including RSV infection rates and hospital admissions analysis. This review will guide potential expansion to other states or demographic groups Adelaide NowSA Health.

Nationally, advocacy is growing to include older adults in RSV immunisation, citing strong clinical efficacy and the urgent need to protect a vulnerable population

If successful, SA’s approach could serve as a national model.

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