Key messages
- The Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of the Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated to reflect Arexvy and Abrysvo product information and guidance.
- RSV vaccine, Arexvy, is available on the private market in Australia for adults aged ≥60 years to prevent illness and severe complications associated with RSV infection.
- RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, is available on the private market in Australia for:
- adults aged ≥60 years for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV; and
- 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.
- Neither RSV vaccine is currently funded under the National Immunisation Program.
- Immunisers in Victoria are authorised to administer Arexvy and Abrysvo RSV vaccines as listed below.
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 Arexvy vaccine in the original package to protect vials from light.
- Both 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). Find out more about common and rare AEFI following immunisation against Arexvy RSV .
Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.
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.
2025 RSV Infant Immunisation Program
The Victorian Department of Health will implement an infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation program to prevent infants most at risk from severe RSV disease. The program will run from April to September 2025.
Under the new program, nirsevimab (a long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody) will be available for infants:
- whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy
- who were vaccinated less than two weeks before delivery
- who are at increased risk of severe RSV, regardless of their mother’s vaccination status; and
- some children entering their second RSV season who are at risk or have medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe RSV disease.
The RSV Infant 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.
Reviewed 06 October 2024