A serious respiratory virus across all age groups
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes respiratory illness ranging from mild cold-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and reduced appetite) to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Serious illness, hospitalisation, and death occur in older adults and young infants (Immunisation Coalition, 2025). RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and survives on surfaces for several hours, making hand hygiene and droplet precautions essential in healthcare settings (Kaler et al., 2023).
Global disease burden
RSV is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory infection in children worldwide and a significant cause of severe respiratory disease in older adults. Globally, RSV causes over 3.6 million hospitalisations and around 100,000 deaths in children under five each year, with 97 per cent of paediatric deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization, 2025).
The impact in Australia
RSV season is already underway. In the year to 14 April 2026, 26,630 cases were reported nationally (Immunisation Coalition, 2026):
- New South Wales: 12,719
- Queensland: 8,171
- Victoria: 2,872
- Western Australia: 1,063
- South Australia: 768
- Northern Territory: 596
- Tasmania: 275
- Australian Capital Territory: 166
Hospitalisations are most common in winter but can occur year-round. Seasonal peaks are less defined in tropical regions such as the Northern Territory, North Queensland, and the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where RSV activity tends to follow the wet season (NCIRS, 2026).
Who should receive an RSV vaccine?
RSV vaccination is recommended for three key groups:
- Pregnant women, to protect their newborn infant
- All adults aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over
- People aged 60 and over with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease, including COPD, cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and immunocompromising conditions
New NIP funding: What has changed?
From 15 May 2026, Arexvy is NIP-funded and free for:
- Non-Aboriginal adults aged 75 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over
Adults aged 60 to 74 with medical risk factors can access RSV vaccination privately (Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026). In Victoria, residents aged 60 and over in public and Aboriginal community-controlled aged care services are eligible under the state-funded program.
Protection for pregnant women and infants
Free Abrysvo from 28 weeks gestation reduces severe RSV disease in infants under six months by around 70 per cent. Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy; Arexvy must not be given to pregnant women or infants. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is available for infants not covered by maternal vaccination (National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, 2026).
Before you vaccinate
Arexvy can be co-administered with influenza, COVID-19, Shingrix, and pneumococcal vaccines.
A single dose is recommended, with protection expected to last at least two years.
Check the AIR before administering and record all RSV vaccinations (Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026):
- Arexvy cannot be given to pregnant women or infants. Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.
- Arexvy can be co-administered with influenza, COVID-19, Shingrix, and pneumococcal vaccines.
- One dose is currently recommended, with protection lasting at least two years.
- All RSV vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024).
Do not forget infants
Free maternal RSV vaccination with Abrysvo from 28 weeks gestation reduces severe RSV disease in infants under six months by around 70 percent. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is available through state and territory programs for infants not covered by maternal vaccination (National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, 2026).
Do not wait for the peak season
RSV typically peaks between June and July, and cases are already climbing (Immunisation Coalition, 2026). Checking patient eligibility and starting the conversation now could prevent a hospitalisation.
Interested in becoming a nationally accredited immuniser?
Interested in formalising your immunisation skills? The Australian College of Nursing offers education and professional development to help you build confidence in immunisation practice and protect your patients against RSV and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Learn more about ACN’s 347 National Immunisation Program for Healthcare Practitioners course.
To deepen your understanding of RSV, check out the ACN CPD module Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 2026 Update, worth 2 CPD hours.
Author: Mary Reyes
ACN Nurse Educator
References
Australia Department of Health. Victoria. (2026). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation. Www.health.vic.gov.au. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/respiratory-syncytial-virus-immunisation
Australian Centre for Disease Control. (2026, April 7). Get ready for winter respiratory illnesses. Australian Centre for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov.au/newsroom/news-and-articles/get-ready-winter-respiratory-illnesses
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2024, June 27). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Australian Immunisation Handbook. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing . (2026, April 18). Free RSV vaccine for older Australians. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/free-rsv-vaccine-for-older-australians?language=en
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2025, August 4). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine?language=en
Immunisation Coalition. (2025, October 29). RSV – Immunisation Coalition. Dev. https://immunisationcoalition.org.au/diseases/rsv/
Immunisation Coalition. (2026, September 24). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Statistics – Immunisation Coalition. Dev. https://immunisationcoalition.org.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-statistics/
Kaler, J., Hussain, A., Patel, K., Hernandez, T., & Ray, S. (2023). Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathophysiology, and Manifestation. Cureus, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36342
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. (2026). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FAQs | NCIRS. Ncirs.org.au. https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs-and-other-resources/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-frequently-asked
Ritter, A. S., Manderville, D., Netardus, L., & Vittor, A. Y. (2025). Management of a respiratory syncytial virus outbreak in a memory care unit at a long-term care facility. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology : ASHE, 5(1), e150. https://doi.org/10.1017/ash.2025.10048
World Health Organization . (2025, February 3). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/respiratory-syncytial-virus-(rsv)
