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RSV prevention program - information for health care providers in the ACT

The ACT RSV Prevention Program aims to protect newborns and at-risk infants against RSV through maternal vaccination and/or passive immunisation (monoclonal antibody) for eligible infants.

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).

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

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

Abrysvo®

Abrysvo® is available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant people. A consultation/administration fee may apply.

All pregnant people should be encouraged to be vaccinated with Abrysvo year-round.

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

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

Abrysvo® should be offered between 28 weeks to 36 weeks gestation. It can be given at the same time as pertussis, influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Arexvy® should not be given in pregnancy.

Immunisation providers can order Abrysvo® through the ACT Health 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 online order form.

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

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® 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. 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.

Related information

Abrysvo® and Arexvy® is available on private prescription for adults aged 60 years and older.

Resources

ACT Health has also developed the following resources for clinicians: