Free RSV vaccine available for pregnant women giving birth in WA and Victoria
St John of God Health Care is pleased to stand with the Department of Health and Aged Care by supporting the RSV vaccination program.
18 Mar 2025
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious and common virus that infects the airways and lungs of newborns, similar to the flu virus or common cold. Symptoms include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and reduced appetite.
Spread easily by coughing and sneezing, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation, with an estimated 1,200 infants hospitalised each year in Western Australia alone.
Abrysvo is a maternal vaccination given to pregnant women between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, which protects newborns from birth.
Pregnant women are advised to discuss RSV vaccination with their obstetrician, midwife or GP. Administration of the vaccination may occur through the antenatal clinic at St John of God Midland Public Hospital, at your private obstetricians' rooms or through your GP.
From 1 April 2025, women who were not vaccinated during pregnancy and have had their babies at a St John of God Health Care hospital in Western Australia or Victoria between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, will be eligible for their newborn to receive the Nirsevimab vaccine.
The vaccine is not mandatory however the WA Department of Health recommends protecting infants from this serious but preventable disease through immunisation.
To learn more and check if your newborn is eligible, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
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