The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a free RSV vaccine for pregnant women, designed to protect newborns.
Backed by a $174.5 million investment, the vaccine will be offered through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) starting 3 February.
RSV or respiratory syncytial virus is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia and results in around 12,000 hospital admissions each year for babies with severe cases.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright emphasises the significance of this initiative for Australian families.
“The 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, and will have a great impact on reducing the number of severe infections in newborns and babies.”
Dr Write urges all pregnant women to take advantage of the free vaccine, highlighting its critical role in protecting newborns.
“RSV is not just a relatively harmless illness, and particularly for our kids it can be devastating,” he said.
“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 says the RACGP is collaborating with the Government to ensure a seamless rollout.
“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.”
