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Home Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation campaign

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation campaign

Western Australian parents of eligible babies can now access immunisation to protect their child from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Objectives
  • To increase awareness among parents of young babies about RSV and the importance of protecting their child for their first RSV season.
  • To educate parents of young babies about the RSV immunisation program and the importance of being immunised.
  • To encourage new parents to consent for their child to be immunised as part of the program.
  • To reduce instances of RSV illness in young babies and reduce hospitalisations.
Key messages
  • While RSV impacts the whole community, young babies have tiny airways and are more likely to have a serious outcome following an RSV infection RSV can affect your baby’s breathing.
  • It’s a virus common in the cooler months and easily spread.
  • Babies can get very sick from RSV and end up in hospital.
  • Babies under 8 months and children aged 8 to 19 months who are Aboriginal or have certain medical conditions can be immunised to protect them from RSV.
  • Contact your GP, Community Health Immunisation Clinic, or Aboriginal Medical Service.
Target audiences
  • Parents of children born between 1 October 2023 to 30 April 2024 entering their first RSV season.
  • Parents of babies born between 1 May to 30 September 2024 during RSV season their first RSV season.
  • Parents of high-risk children who have certain medical conditions born between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 (aged 8 to 19 months) entering their second RSV season.
  • Parents of Aboriginal children born between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024 (aged 8 to 19 months) in their second RSV season.
Timing

April to September 2024.

wa.gov.au