As of Monday, 17 March, every newborn in NSW has access to free immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), potentially preventing hospitalisation for an estimated 1,150 babies under six months of age each year.
“RSV can be very serious, and I know how stressful and anxiety-inducing such a condition can be for parents,” said Member for Camden Sally Quinnell.
“This free immunisation will ensure newborns are protected, either through maternal vaccination or infant immunisation, and keep babies out of hospital, at home and with their families.”
Pregnant women can currently receive a free RSV vaccination between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy – protection that carries over to their newborns.
For those not covered by maternal immunisation, newborns will be offered the preventive jab before hospital discharge. Infants with high-risk conditions and children up to 24 months with certain medical issues will also be eligible for free protection.
RSV infects up to 90 per cent of children within their first two years of life, and in NSW between 2016 and 2023, more than 52,000 people were hospitalised with RSV, 41 per cent of them infants under one.
By combining maternal vaccination with free infant immunisation, the Minns Labor Government aims to protect all newborns and dramatically reduce RSV-related hospital stays across the state.
