Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine now free for pregnant women

Pregnant women across the Northern Territory now have free access to protection against a virus that is the leading cause of hospitalisation for babies.

Bakewell mum-to-be Pritee Shrestha receives an RSV vaccine. The vaccine is being made free for pregnant women across the country from February 3, 2025. Picture: Supplied.

Pregnant women across the Northern Territory now have free access to protection against the leading cause of hospitalisation for babies, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The federal government is investing $174.5m to provide eligible pregnant women with the RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, under the National Immunisation Program from Monday.

This new vaccine will help protect newborn babies from illness caused by RSV, a common virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs.

Bakewell mum-to-be Pritee Shrestha said she was pleased to be able to protect her boy from the potentially life threatening virus.

“Being a first time mother, my first priority is to prevent and protect against any exposures that may put my baby’s health at risk,” she said.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to access the RSV vaccine during my pregnancy, knowing that I will be passing on antibodies to help protect my baby.”

Bakewell mum-to-be Pritee Shrestha receives an RSV vaccine. The vaccine is being made free for pregnant women across the country from February 3, 2025. Picture: Supplied.

In the Northern Territory, more than 3000 babies will benefit from this new protection each year.

The free maternal RSV vaccine will be available to women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant, offering crucial protection to newborns in the region.

Without subsidy, the vaccine would previously cost families around $300.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said reducing RSV-related hospital admissions would have a significant impact, both for the health system and for the wellbeing of local families.

“By making this lifesaving vaccine free for pregnant women, we’re not just protecting newborns, we’re also helping ease the cost of living for families in Darwin and Palmerston,” he said.

“In Solomon, we know that families are doing it tough. That’s why the Albanese Labor government is committed to reducing costs for local families, starting with free vaccines to protect our babies from RSV.

“This investment by the Australian government is a major win for local families, ensuring that mums and babies in Solomon are better protected from the serious risks of RSV.”

Nationally, it is estimated this initiative will prevent more than 10,000 infants from needing hospital care each year.

Originally published as Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine now free for pregnant women