Canberra
The Australian government has announced plans to make vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) free for pregnant women and babies starting in 2025. The government has allocated 174.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $114.8 million) to subsidise the cost of these vaccinations following a surge in RSV cases in 2024.
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed that the new funding will cover the cost of RSV vaccines for pregnant women and babies under two years old. RSV, a highly contagious virus that causes severe respiratory infections in young children, leads to about 12,000 hospital admissions each year in Australia.
From February 2025, women who are between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant will be eligible for a free vaccine, providing protection for their unborn children. Additionally, babies under two who were not vaccinated in utero will be able to receive the vaccine for free during the winter months, when RSV infections peak.
The maternal RSV vaccine is currently available only to late-stage pregnant women and costs up to 350 AUD ($230.3). With over 165,000 RSV cases reported in Australia so far this year—significantly higher than in previous years—this new measure aims to reduce hospitalizations and protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children.
