Largest childhood preventative health initiative in nearly 20 years
Beyfortus rollout to ensure all babies are RSV protected this winter
The largest and most significant childhood preventative health initiative in nearly 20 years is now underway (1 April), with more than 300,000 doses of immunisations that protect against severe RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) now available at no cost to Australian parents.
While an RSV vaccine for pregnant women has been available since February, the arrival of an immunisation that is given directly to babies marks the start of a nationwide preventive initiative to tackle the leading cause of hospital admissions among Australian infants.1
The Immunisation Foundation of Australia confirmed that Beyfortus jabs are available on mass in all states and territories to protect babies entering their first RSV season that haven't already received the maternal vaccine, as well as many high-risk* babies entering their second RSV season.2
Despite RSV outbreaks typically spiking in winter, Australia has already recorded more than 22,000 RSV notifications this year, with almost half of reported cases in children under five years.3 Babies are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV-related illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.1
For the first time, parents seeking to protect their babies from severe RSV have the choice of:
- Maternal vaccination (Abrsyvo) – a vaccine given to a mother during pregnancy so she can develop and pass on protective antibodies to her baby when born. Protection lasts for 5-6 months after birth.
- Infant immunisation (Beyfortus or nirsevimab) – ready-made antibodies that offer same-day protection against severe RSV infection. One injection offers protection for infants for 5-6 months.
"This is an historic moment. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation in Australian babies, and, for the first time, we can ease the burden on emergency departments and paediatric wards across the country," said Catherine Hughes AM, Founder of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia.
"The National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program is the most significant childhood public health initiative since the introduction almost 20 years ago of the rotavirus vaccine, which slashed the number of infants hospitalised with severe gastroenteritis,"4 she said.
"Since its rollout in 2007, the rotavirus vaccine has been administered to almost 90 per cent of Australian babies.5 Similar uptake of RSV immunisations would result in 10,000 fewer babies being admitted to hospital each year." 6
Perth Children's Hospital physician and vaccination specialist Professor Chris Blyth has seen firsthand the results of RSV immunisation with Beyfortus in Western Australia last year. Babies receiving Beyfortus were 88.2% less likely to be hospitalised with RSV during their first RSV season compared with those who did not get immunised.7
"These immunisations are backed by decades of research to provide a safe and highly effective means to prevent severe RSV disease and potentially reduce the risk of long-term respiratory issues, including asthma."8
With the countdown to winter now on, the Immunisation Foundation of Australia is urging action.
"Right now, an army of healthcare professionals is working to ensure as many babies as possible are immunised ahead of the peak RSV season," said Ms Hughes. "The message is clear – whether its maternal vaccination or infant immunisation, RSV protection is proven to keep babies out of hospital.
"The most important things parents can do is speak with a healthcare professional so babies don't go unprotected."
Beyfortus has now been administered to six million babies worldwide and is available for Australian newborns whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy or were not adequately protected during pregnancy. Some states are offering a catch-up program for older babies entering their first RSV season born as late as 1 August 2024. Availability varies, with a full breakdown available here.
*High-risk babies entering their second RSV season are eligible for Beyfortus, including those born before 32 weeks gestation, as well as infants with congenital heart disease, certain immune deficiency disorders, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis and trisomy 21. Specific information can be found here.
