Key messages
- The Victorian Government is working with the Commonwealth to implement a National Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV- MIPP) for pregnant women and infants in 2025.
- The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) will be funded under the National Immunisation Program in 2025. It is recommended for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks' gestation for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in infants from birth through to 6 months of age.
- The Victorian Department of Health will implement a complimentary infant RSV immunisation program to protect infants most at risk from severe RSV disease.
- Refer to the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of the Australian Immunisation Handbook for all clinical guidance.
- Private market vaccines for the prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease:
- Arexvy, is available for adults aged 60 years and older. Arexvy is not registered for use in pregnant women.
- Abrysvo®, is available for adults aged ≥60 years and pregnant women between 28-36 weeks gestation to protect newborn infants from birth through to 6 months of age.
- Immunisers in Victoria are authorised to administer RSV vaccines as listed below.
National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
A nationally consistent immunisation program for mothers and babies will be established in 2025 to protect infants from RSV. The National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) will offer immunisation products to pregnant women, and infants.
A single dose of the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, will be provided to pregnant women between 28-36 weeks of their pregnancy under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This vaccine will provide protection against RSV for their infant through the passing of antibodies from the mother to the unborn baby.
The Victorian Department of Health will implement a complimentary infant RSV immunisation program to protect infants most at risk from severe RSV disease. The program will run from April to September 2025.
Under the new program eligible infants and young children whose mothers did not receive maternal Abrysvo® vaccine during pregnancy and those most at risk of severe RSV will have access to a free long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab).
The infant RSV immunisation program will be delivered through participating public and private birthing hospitals, community health immunisation clinics, general practices, and Aboriginal Health Services.
Please monitor this webpage for information and updates on the program implementation details including eligibility criteria, stock availability and clinical guidance.
Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria
Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers, intern pharmacist immunisers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers in Victoria are authorised to possess and administer Schedule 4 poisons via Secretary Approvals made under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017.
The RSV vaccine these immunisers are authorised to possess and administer is listed below.
| Immuniser | Vaccines/therapeutic products approved for use | Training, conditions and exclusions | Additional training and competency requirements |
| Nurse immuniser | Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook | As specified in the Secretary Approval for nurse immunisers | No additional training requirements |
| Pharmacist immuniser | Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook | As specified in the Secretary Approval for pharmacist immunisers | No additional training requirements |
| Intern pharmacist immuniser | Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook | As specified in the Secretary Approval for intern pharmacist immunisers | No additional training requirements |
| ATSIHP immuniser | Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook | As specified in the Secretary Approval for ATSIHP immunisers | No additional training requirements |
Immunisers must always refer to their relevant Secretary Approval for the conditions associated with administration of the approved Arexvy or Abrysvo® RSV vaccines.
All immunisers must maintain competence and operate within their individual scope of practice by ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and currency of practice for all immunisations that they provide.
Clinical recommendations for RSV immunisation
Immunisers should refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook’s Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) .
Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccine
Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for
- Store RSV vaccines in the original package to protect vials from light.
- Arexvy and Abrysvo® vaccines must be reconstituted prior to administration. Special instructions are provided for the diluent and vial adaptor required for Abrysvo® vaccine.
- Refer to Arexvy product and Abrysvo® product for more information.
Adverse Events Following Immunisation
Immunisation providers should report any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Refer to the Australian Immunisation to find out more about common and rare AEFI of RSV vaccines.
Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) .
RSV vaccine administration errors
Learn how to avoid vaccine errors and establish practices that can identify report and manager vaccine errors. Refer to Vaccine error management.
Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Providers are encouraged to record all RSV immunisations given on the AIR. Ensure you use the correct name, vaccine (AREXVY or ABRSV – as relevant), batch number, vaccine type field (private) and route of administration.
Further information can be found at the Using the Australian Immunisation webpage.
Reviewed 05 December 2024