The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has applauded the Federal Government announcing a free RSV vaccine to help protect newborns available for pregnant women starting on 3 February.
The Government's $174.5 million investment will ensure the vaccine can be offered free of charge as part of the National Immunisation Program from 3 February this year. The respiratory syncytial virus causes cold-like symptoms for many people, but the young are very vulnerable to its effects.
Around 12,000 babies are admitted to hospital with severe RSV each year, and the virus is the most common cause of hospitalisation for infants in Australia.
College President, Dr Michael Wright, encouraged all Australian families to take full advantage.
"This decision from the Federal Government will save lives and is good news for families," he said.
"It will help keep babies safe and save expectant families money. The vaccine will be available in practices around Australia from 3 February, and will have a great impact on reducing the number of severe infections in newborns and babies
"RSV must be taken very seriously, and I urge all pregnant women to get this vaccine once its available. It's completely free and may make all the difference as to whether your newborn baby ends up in hospital with a severe case of this virus, or worse.
"This is not just a relatively harmless illness, and particularly for our kids it can be devastating. The unfortunate reality is that around half of RSV notifications are in kids aged under five and what some families may not realise is that almost all infants will experience an RSV infection. So, we must do all we can to ensure their immune systems are ready, this vaccine will help keep them as safe as possible."
Dr Wright said that the RACGP would work with the Government to ensure the roll-out happened as smoothly as possible.
"This vaccine program is so important, and we need to get the logistics right," he said.
"Pregnant women currently see their GP for a vaccine to protect them from whooping cough at around 30 weeks into their pregnancy, and the RSV vaccine will be available around the same time. We now look forward to working closely with the Government so that practices receive the supply and distribution of vaccine, and no families face any delays. That way, we can make sure that as many women as possible get vaccinated.
"Congratulations again to the Government for this announcement. There are so many things new parents have to think about, so this free RSV vaccine means one less worry for parents."
