- Rollout of WA's $11 million respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation program starts today
- Parents urged to immunise babies ahead of approaching RSV season
- Immunisations now available at participating GP practices, Community Health Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services
Western Australia's groundbreaking rollout of Australia's first immunisation program to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) starts today.
Babies born on or after 1 October 2023 can now receive the Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved antibody Nirsevimab at GP practices, Community Health Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services that provide childhood immunisations.
Children born from 1 October 2022 with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of hospitalisation and Aboriginal children are also eligible.
Parents are urged to book an appointment to get their babies immunised ahead of the approaching RSV season.One dose of Nirsevimab, given via injection, protects infants for at least five months.
From May to September RSV immunisations will also be available at birthing hospitals across WA - providing protection to newborns before they leave hospital.
RSV is a highly infectious respiratory virus that infects up to two-thirds of all babies in their first year of life and, every year, hospitalises more than 1,000 infants in WA.
The State's $11 million RSVimmunisation rollout is expected to prevent more than 700 RSV-related infant hospitalisations, as well as 3,000 emergency department presentations and 4,000 GP consultations this year.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"WA is proud to be the first state in Australia to roll out an immunisation program to protect newborns and babies from RSV.
"My Government's $11 million investment is a game-changer for paediatric medicine and will protect hundreds of babies from getting seriously ill or hospitalised this winter, easing pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments.
"It's great to see other states are now following our lead to help protect our youngest and most vulnerable Australians."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"I urge all parents to book an appointment to get their babies immunised against RSV as soon as possible at GP practices, Community Health Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services that provide childhood immunisations.
"This immunisation will give babies immediate protection from RSV illness, with one dose effective against severe RSV illness for at least five months.
"Nirsevimab will also be available from birthing hospitals in May, and I encourage all parents to take up the opportunity to protect their baby from RSV this winter."
