Under a new immunisation program, Tasmanian infants will be protected against serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of our next winter.
RSV causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It is particularly serious for young infants and is a common cause of hospitalisation.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roger Jaensch, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring all infants are protected against serious illness from RSV.
"We are working with the Commonwealth to provide a new national RSV maternal and infant protection program for pregnant women and newborns," Minister Jaensch said.
"The national program will ensure all infants are offered protection against RSV ahead of winter, when Tasmania typically experiences its RSV season.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about making Tasmania the best place to live, work and raise a family. Having access to these vaccinations are a part of that."
From early 2025, RSV vaccination will be recommended for pregnant women for free through the National Immunisation Program at 28 to 36 weeks gestation.
Acting Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown said RSV vaccination is recommended for everyone during pregnancy.
"Vaccination against RSV in pregnancy provides protective antibodies to the infant during their first six-months of life, when the risk of severe RSV is greatest," Dr McKeown said.
In addition to vaccination in pregnancy, the Tasmanian Government is also funding an RSV monoclonal antibody program, which will be available to eligible infants and young children.
"Infants whose mothers did not receive maternal vaccine during pregnancy and those most at risk of severe RSV, will have access to a free long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab," Minister Jaensch said.
"Nirsevimab immunisation will also be available for eligible infants ahead of winter 2025."
