Free RSV immunisations for babies amid surge in cases
Queensland babies will be able to get a free and potentially life saving immunisation for an infectious respiratory virus, as case numbers soar across the state.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is highly contagious and often causes mild to moderate illness in young children and babies, with symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever and aches.
It is the number one cause of hospitalisation for children aged five and under in Australia, with a quarter of those children needing intensive care.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced newborn babies would be eligible for a free jab from April under a $31 million program.
“It is not only about making sure our newborns are healthy and protected against RSV it is also about reducing the pressure on hospitals, particularly coming into winter months” she told reporters on Monday.
Cases have doubled this year, with 7000 reported so far and 2000 of those were children under two.
Vaccine nirsevimab will be rolled out from next month to newborn babies in hospitals, babies up to eight months of age and babies with complex medical conditions up to 19 months.
But there is a global shortage meaning the most at risk babies will prioritised as Ms Fentiman expects the supply the Queensland government has secured will last six to eight months.
For Brisbane mum Holly Robbins the free immunisation announcement is important so other families don’t go through what she did when she watched her eight-month-old daughter Rebecca spend 11 days in hospital with RSV.
“It is heartbreaking watching your child go through that and not being able to help in any way,” she said.
The little girl now visits a respiratory specialist every three months to check on her health.
The Royal Australian College of GPs welcomed the free immunisation announcement amid the surge in the virus.
“This RSV immunisation rollout will save lives,” Queensland Chair Cathryn Hester said.
“Unfortunately, in Queensland, unlike other states and territories, we have year-round cases of this virus as we don’t have predictable seasons.”
The announcement comes after Western Australia and NSW recently announced RSV vaccines would become part of the immunisation program for babies.
