On this page
- Latest News
- RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
- Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation resources
- Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria
- Adverse Events Following Immunisation
- RSV vaccine administration errors
- Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
- Ordering RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
- Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Latest News
- There are current media reports that there is a shortage of the RSV infant vaccine. Whilst there is limited supply of nirsevimab, there is not a shortage, and general practice clinics are being supplied as expected.
- A Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV- MIPP) is available for pregnant women and eligible infants in 2025 for the prevention of RSV associated lower respiratory tract disease.
- Refer to the RSV immunisation resources and the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of the Australian Immunisation Handbook for all clinical guidance.
- Information about authorised immunisers in Victoria and the RSV immunisation products they are authorised to administer is available at Immunisers in Victoria.
RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
A nationally consistent immunisation program for mothers and babies has been introduced in 2025 to protect babies from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) offers immunisation products to pregnant women, and infants at increased risk of severe RSV.
Vaccination for pregnant women
The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is free under the National Immunisation Program for women at 28–36 weeks pregnancy to protect their baby.
Maternal RSV vaccine is administered to protect newborn infants, through the passing of RSV-specific antibodies from the mother to the unborn baby.
The RSV-MIPP prioritises uptake of the maternal Abrysvo® RSV vaccine, to provide the baby with passive protection against RSV during the first six months of infancy.
Note - Abrysvo® vaccine is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women. Abrysvo® vaccine is not approved for use in infants and children.
Infant immunisation
The Victorian Department of Health is offering a complementary infant RSV immunisation program to protect infants most at risk from severe RSV disease. The program will run from 1 April to 30 September 2025.
Under the new program, a free long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), will be offered to eligible infants and young children. Refer to the table below for detailed eligibility criteria for the infant immunisation:
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Infants born between 1 April – 30 September 2025:
- To mothers who did not receive maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or where maternal RSV vaccine was administered less than 2 weeks before birth
- with risk conditions for severe RSV disease (Australian Immunisation ) regardless of maternal vaccination.
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Infants born from 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2025:
- (Up to 8 months of age only) to mothers who did not receive maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or where maternal RSV vaccine was administered 2 weeks before birth, or
- with risk conditions for severe RSV disease (Australian Immunisation ) regardless of maternal vaccination.
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Infants born on or after 1 October 2023 vulnerable to severe RSV:
- Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander infants
- Young children with conditions associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease (Australian Immunisation ).
Note - RSV vaccines are not approved for use in infants and children.
Please monitor this webpage for information and updates on the program implementation details including eligibility criteria, stock availability and clinical guidance.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation resources
- Fact sheet for health professionals - RSV immunisation in pregnancyFact sheet for health professionals - Abrysvo vaccine preparationRSV-MIPP Infant program – 2025 Toolkit for immunisation providersRSV-MIPP Infant program – Nirsevimab decision aid (newborn infants)RSV-MIPP Infant program – Nirsevimab decision aid (all infants and young children)
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care -Frequently asked questions and fact sheets for Health .
- Fact sheet for consumers - RSV immunisation in pregnancyFact sheet for consumers - RSV immunisation for infants and young children
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Maternal vaccinations consumer .
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Immunisation for .
- SKAI resources to support conversations about vaccination in pregnancy and for newborn .
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Frequently asked questions and consumer fact sheets.
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Print and display these posters at your health service or hospital:
RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 1RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 2RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 3RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 4RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 5 -
Webinar 1
Recording: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program, webinar 1 - 9 January
This webinar focused on the disease impact of RSV and clinical elements of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV- MIPP), covering both Abrysvo and Nirsevimab.
Presenters:
Professor Michelle Giles - Vaccine Research Group, Doherty Institute,
Presentation: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - Professor Michelle GilesProfessor Nigel Crawford - vaccinologist and Director of SAEFVIC (Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination In the Community).
Presentation: RSV monoclonal antibody state of play - Professor Nigel CrawfordWebinar 2
Recording: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program, webinar 2 - 22 January
Transcript: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - webinar 2The second webinar from the department on the RSV-MIPP program - clinical and logistics elements.
Catherine Radkowski was joined by Dr Michelle Giles and Dr. Nigel Crawford to discuss:- The importance of the RSV-MIPP and how Abrysvo® and nirsevimab will help protect infants against severe RSV disease and reduce hospitalisations for the coming winter season.
- Clinical and logistics elements of the program, including eligibility criteria, provider access and program start dates.
Presentation: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - webinar 2
Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria
Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and authorised midwives can administer RSV immunisation products without the need for additional authorisation.
Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health practitioner 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 Secretary Approvals specify the immunisation products they are authorised to administer and the conditions of the approval.
The RSV immunisation products these immunisers are authorised to possess and administer is listed below.
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RSV immunisation products approved for use
- 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
- Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and children recommended for immunisation as listed in the infant immunisation section of this webpage (at the time of administration) and in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for nurse immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
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RSV immunisation products approved for use
- 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
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for pharmacist immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
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RSV immunisation products approved for use
- 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
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for intern pharmacist immunisers.
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
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RSV immunisation products approved for use
- 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
- Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and children recommended for immunisation as listed in the infant immunisation section of this webpage (at the time of administration) and in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for ATSIHP immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
Immunisers must always refer to their relevant Secretary Approval for the conditions associated with administration of the approved RSV immunisation products.
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.
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.
Unexpected or serious AEFI, including vaccine administration errors, should be reported to SAEFVIC, Victoria’s safety surveillance partner. 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.
Refer to NCIRS clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration .
Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for
- Store RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in the original package to protect the product from light.
- Abrysvo® vaccine must be reconstituted prior to administration. Special instructions are provided for the diluent and vial adaptor required for Abrysvo® vaccine.
Refer to Abrysvo® RSV and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) monoclonal product information.
Ordering RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can now order both the Abrysvo® RSV and Beyfortus™ . Order limits apply to ensure equitable distribution.
Refer to ordering vaccines for details on how to order vaccines through Onelink Online.
Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
It is mandatory to report all NIP immunisations, including Abrysvo® to the AIR. Additionally, providers are strongly encouraged to record all Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) immunisations given on the AIR.
Please refer to the Uploading to AIR factsheet for full details.
Further information can be found at the Using the Australian Immunisation webpage.
Reviewed 07 April 2025