The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has thrown its support behind Victoria's infant RSV vaccine program.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Following the Federal Government announcing a free maternal RSV vaccine for pregnant women to protect their baby under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), the Victorian Government has launched a complementary program offering neonatal and "catch up" vaccinations to protect infants and young children most at risk.
The Victorian roll-out is designed for infants:
born between 1 October last year to 30 September this year to mothers did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or where the vaccine was administered less than two weeks before birth
living with risk conditions for RSV disease, such as premature babies born before 32 weeks, significant immunosuppression or chronic lung disease, regardless of maternal vaccination status
infants born on or after 1 October 2023 vulnerable to severe RSV including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and young children with conditions associated with increased risk of severe RSV.
RACGP Victoria Chair, Dr Anita Munoz, urged Victorian families to take advantage of the state's complementary scheme.
"This program will save lives, particularly since it will provide two 'catch up' programs for infants and young children at high risk of severe RSV," she said.
"We must take RSV seriously. Although the symptoms are usually mild and manageable at home, some children and adults can suffer severe, life-threatening effects and require hospitalisation, or worse. There were more than 175,000 RSV cases last year, a substantial increase on the 129,944 cases reported in 2023. Every year around 12,000 babies are admitted to hospital with severe RSV, it's the most common cause of hospitalisation for infants in Australia. A quarter of those hospitalised kids need intensive care treatment, which is a traumatic experience for any family to go through.
"The virus is most common in young children, including babies, with around half of RSV notifications in kids aged under five. Some families may not realise almost all infants will experience an RSV infection, and the number one action you can take to help keep your family as safe as possible is to ensure your children are vaccinated.
"If you missed out on the maternal vaccine, your baby may be eligible for the infant vaccine which will protect them ahead of the peak season for this virus. So, speak to your GP today about whether your baby is eligible. At a time of high cost-of-living pressures, it's vital to remind families that this vaccine, as well as the National Immunisation Program vaccine for pregnant Mums, are both completely free of charge.
"Please encourage people in your life, such as friends, family members, and colleagues to act now. New parents have so much on their minds and so many things to take care of, but ensuring your children are vaccinated is one of the best decisions you can make."
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