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RSV prevention program

Disclaimer
The content provided on this page is intended for use by health professionals. It is not tailored for the general public and should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. If you are not a healthcare professional and have concerns or questions regarding your health or a medical condition, we encourage you to consult your healthcare provider.

The ACT RSV Prevention Program aims to protect:

  • newborns and at-risk infants through maternal vaccination (Abrysvo) and passive immunisation (monoclonal antibody)
  • older adults (Arexvy).

Achieving high maternal vaccination coverage is the overarching aim of the program.

Decision aids are available to assist clinicians to determine an infant's eligibility to receive Beyfortus™ nirsevimab:

Find out more about Eligibility for Abrysvo® and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab).

From 15 May 2026, adults aged 75 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over can access a funded RSV vaccine via the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

The following RSV vaccines and medications are available in the ACT:

  • Abrysvo®
  • Arexvy®
  • monoclonal antibody Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
  • monoclonal antibody Synagis (palivizumab).

Abrysvo®

Abrysvo® is available for free under the NIP for pregnant people. A consultation/administration fee may apply.

Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.

Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy. It should be offered in each pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended during pregnancy .

Abrysvo® protects newborns from severe RSV disease in the first 6 months of life through the transfer of maternal antibodies.

Immunisation providers can order Abrysvo® through the vaccine order form.

Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)

The ACT Government is providing Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) free to eligible newborns through birthing hospitals, and eligible infants and children through primary care providers.

Eligible infants include those born with risk factors for severe RSV disease, the birth parent did not receive the Abrysvo® vaccine while pregnant or had the Abrysvo® vaccine less than 2 weeks before the baby was born.

Read Eligibility for Abrysvo® and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) for more details.

Healthcare providers should consider strategies to identify and recall eligible infants and children to administer Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab). Healthcare providers may order Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) for a specified patient/s using the vaccine order form.

Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is currently unavailable for private purchase throughout Australia.

Arexvy®

Arexvy® is available for free under the NIP for adults aged 75 years and over, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over.

More information can be found on the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine webpage.

Arexvy® should not be given in pregnancy.

Reporting immunisations to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

Immunisation providers are required to check an individual’s vaccination status on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) prior to administering any vaccine.

Pregnant people should be advised to bring their digital AIR Immunisation History Statement with them to all antenatal appointments to confirm their vaccination history.

It is mandatory to report all NIP immunisations, including Abrysvo® and Arexvy® to the AIR. Additionally, providers are strongly encouraged to record all Beyfortus™ immunisation given on the AIR.

For more information, refer to Using the Australian Immunisation Register on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Antenatal card

All maternal vaccinations should be recorded on the pregnant person’s antenatal card and AIR record. Obstetricians and midwives should check the pregnant person’s vaccination status at the time of delivery to determine if the newborn is eligible to receive Beyfortus™ at birth.

Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccine

Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’.

  • Abrysvo® must be reconstituted prior to administration. Special instructions are provided for the diluent and vial adaptor.
  • Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is a prefilled syringe containing the monoclonal antibody and does not require reconstitution. Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) comes in both 50mg and 100mg and dosage differs based on weight and which RSV season the infant is entering.
  • Arexvy® must be reconstituted prior to administration.

Related information

Abrysvo® and Arexvy® is available on private prescription for adults aged 60 years and older. Arexvy is also registered for adults 50 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for RSV disease. This can be accessed through private prescription.

Resources

ACT Health has also developed the following resources for clinicians: