More than a million older Australians who received their flu vaccine this year remain unprotected against RSV, despite the virus now circulating more widely than influenza or COVID-19, according to a new report.
A significant coverage gap
The Mid-Winter RSV Report Card by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) has found that “just 722,530 Australians aged 75 years and over have received the free RSV vaccine this year, compared to 1.76 million of the same age group who have had their flu shot”.
The IFA says this is particularly concerning as “more than 83,000 cases of RSV have already been recorded in Australia in 2026, far outnumbering both influenza and COVID-19”.
IFA Founder and Executive Director Catherine Hughes AM says the vaccine uptake so far is encouraging but insufficient.
“The fact that more than 700,000 vulnerable older Australians received the RSV vaccine in the first two months of the vaccination program is an outstanding effort by the community and immunisation providers.
“However, there is still a massive gap in RSV vaccination coverage and an urgent need for older adults to roll up their sleeves,” she says, noting the vaccine wasn’t available “in April and early May when many older Australians receive their flu shot”.
Low awareness of co-administration
Ms Hughes notes that an IFA poll of 1000 older Australians found that “almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents did not know that RSV and flu vaccines can be given at the same time”
“The RSV and influenza vaccines can absolutely be given at the same time, providing a convenient way to maximise protection during winter,” she says.
Hospitalisation risk
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus and a leading cause of hospitalisation in older adults and babies.
While many people experience mild, cold-like symptoms, experts say RSV can cause severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia, and can lead to a decline in physical and cognitive health in older adults.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Danielle McMullen says the RSV vaccine has the potential to prevent thousands of hospitalisations this winter.
“Now is the time to act — winter is far from over,” says Dr McMullen.
“Getting protected against RSV is an incredibly simple yet effective way to help prevent serious illness and stay out of hospital.”
Studies show the vaccine is more than 85% effective at preventing RSV-related hospitalisation in older adults.
Infant RSV immunisation “a resounding success”
Ms Hughes says that older Australians should look to the success of the infant RSV immunisation program, which has delivered high levels of uptake and reductions in hospital admissions.
Data shows that despite a high number of RSV cases this year, infant admissions to paediatric hospitals during the early months (April–May) of the Australian RSV season are 70% lower than in 2024, before the roll-out of the national RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program.
“Since the nationwide program began last year, more than 360,000 Australian babies have been protected against severe RSV,” says Ms Hughes.
“Early evidence shows the program is a resounding success.
“Thousands of families are being spared the trauma of their baby being admitted to hospital and requiring oxygen support or intensive care due to RSV.”
Infants, expectant mothers, adults aged 75 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over can now receive free RSV immunisation throughout Australia.
