- From 1 April expanded RSV immunisation will protect more WA babies this winter and reduce hospitalisations
- In the nation-leading program, more than 1,000 infant hospitalisations already prevented
- Free immunisation now available to more babies, regardless of their mother's immunisation status
- Cook Government ensuring Western Australians can access the healthcare they need, when they need it
The Cook Government is expanding Western Australia's nation-leading respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation program for infants, giving more babies protection ahead of the winter respiratory illness season.
From today (April 1), babies born between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 are eligible for a free Beyfortus RSV immunisation, regardless of their mother's RSV vaccination status.
The program will run until 30 September 2026 and the expansion will now include:
- infants born between 1 April and 30 September 2026 who have a high-risk condition, or wereimmunocompromised;
- aboriginal children born on or after 1 October 2024; and
- children with a specific medical risk condition born on or after 1 October 2024.
As per last year's program, babies born between 1 April and 30 September 2026 whose mother has not received an RSV vaccine are also eligible.
The expanded program for infants complements the national maternal Abrysvo RSV immunisation program.
In previous years, most babies were only eligible for the free immunisation if their mothers were not vaccinated against RSV.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation for children during the first year of life. It is anticipated that WA's expanded program will reduce the number of babies admitted to hospital with RSV this winter.
RSV is a common, highly infectious virus that affects the respiratory system (lungs and breathing passages). RSV infections are usually mild with cold-like symptoms, but can cause more serious illnesses, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Transmission of the virus is highly seasonal in most areas of Western Australia, with 'peak RSV season' from July to August.
The RSV immunisation for WA infants is available at community health clinics, general practices, Aboriginal medical services, antenatal clinics, and maternity hospitals.
In February, the State Government announced a targeted RSV immunisation program for adults aged 65 and older living in residential aged care.
The Arexvy RSV vaccine will be available to all people aged 65 and older in residential aged care homes. Through the 2026 RSV program, the Department of Health has estimated that 15,000 aged care residents will be vaccinated this year.
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to protecting Western Australians. WA was the first State to roll out RSV protection for newborns in 2024; the program has since prevented more than 1,000 infant hospitalisations related to RSV.
"With this expanded program, we can protect even more infants as we head into winter, with the decision to cover spring and summer-born babies making WA's RSV prevention program one of the most comprehensive worldwide.
"I encourage Western Australian families to take up this option to protect their babies."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Winter is when we see a surge in respiratory illness, and RSV can be particularly serious for babies.
"By expanding access to immunisation, we are giving families peace of mind and helping protect our youngest Western Australians when they are most vulnerable.
"This is exactly what good preventative health looks like - acting early to keep people well and easing pressure on our hospitals during the busy winter months."
