As RSV Awareness Week begins, the Australian Medical Association is urging Australians to speak with their GP about vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was not just a winter nuisance — but could cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
“This week is an important reminder not to be complacent about a virus that can have serious consequences,” Dr McMullen said. “Too many people still think RSV is just a bad cold, but for some Australians it can be far more serious than that.
“There are now funded vaccines for people who need protection most, with the federal government this year adding the vaccine to the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 years and older. This follows the addition of the maternal vaccine to the program last year.”
Dr McMullen said the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing illness was very evident.
“More than 225,000 mothers have received the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies from serious illness since the vaccines were first made available in February last year. This has resulted in a drop of more than 9 per cent in RSV cases for young children from 86,000 in 2024 to 78,000 in 2025.”
Dr McMullen encouraged people who have concerns or questions about vaccines to speak with their regular GP.
“Through our national Have the Jab Chat campaign we are encouraging people who aren’t sure about vaccines to have a conversation with their trusted GP,” Dr McMullen said.
“RSV Awareness Week is a good time to stop, check what protection is available, and have a chat with your GP about what vaccines you might need, including those that protect against flu and COVID-19.
“That conversation matters because vaccine advice is not one-size-fits-all. Your GP can explain what is recommended for you, including whether RSV vaccination should be part of your winter protection plan.”
RSV is a common seasonal virus, but for babies, older Australians and people at higher risk of severe illness it can lead to serious complications, hospitalisation and death. Last year, RSV was the third most common cause of older adults being hospitalised with a respiratory viral infection and 587 deaths in Australia involved RSV.
From 15 May 2026, RSV vaccination is available under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. Maternal RSV vaccination is also available to eligible pregnant women to help protect newborns in their first months of life.
