The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the South Australian Government rolling out an RSV immunisation program for at risk infants.
The program will see two vaccines to protect South Australian babies — a federally-funded one for pregnant women which protects babies from birth, and a state-funded one for infants whose mothers did not get the maternal vaccine.
RACGP South Australia Chair Dr Sian Goodson applauded the rollout.
"We have been advocating for this vaccine to be free to protect South Australian babies," she said.
"Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is the number one cause of hospitalisation for children aged five and under. Thankfully, a safe and effective vaccine is available – this is the best protection for babies.
"The maternal vaccine is the best protection for unborn babies.
"I encourage pregnant women and people with babies in South Australia to book an appointment with your GP to get your RSV vaccine when it's available."
~
