Vic bubs miss out on lifesaving jab as virus spreads

Victorian babies will not get a vital lifesaving jab — despite multiple other states rolling out the long-awaited immunisation.

Pressure is building on the Victorian government to fund a lifesaving immunisation, with local babies left behind as two more states announce roll outs.

Queensland followed in Western Australia’s footsteps on Monday and said they will immunise all babies against the common but sometimes life threatening, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while New South Wales’ program will target vulnerable babies.

Peak bodies want Victoria to roll out the drug nirsevimab — recommended for all young infants in the US — warning babies shouldn’t miss out because of their postcode.

Royal College of General Practitioners Victorian chair Dr Anita Muñoz said RSV caused serious illness and could trigger long-term complications, like asthma, so Victoria should “absolutely” offer kids the immunisation.

“It’s a fantastic idea,” she said.

The drug was approved for medicinal use by Australia’s regulator last December, but a national rollout cannot begin unless the drug’s manufacturer also applies to be on the list of medicines subsidised by the Federal Government.

Pressure is building on the Victorian government to fund the lifesaving immunisation. Picture: file image

This leaves babies in states like Victoria – who have not struck independent deals – unprotected against a virus that hospitalises more preschoolers than any other illness in Australia.

Victoria has already recorded more cases this year – in excess of 2,600 – than in the first three months of 2023, national notifiable diseases surveillance system data shows.

Immunisation Foundation of Australia director Catherine Hughes director, whose newborn son Riley died from a vaccine-preventable illness, wants a national rollout but said it would be “wonderful” if remaining states got on board.

“Just because your baby is born in Victoria, doesn’t mean they should miss out on this lifesaving protection,” she said.

“Now that we have the means to protect all infants against severe RSV, we need to grab the opportunity with both hands.”

Nirsevimab, sold as Beyfortus, protects babies for about one RSV season by giving them pre-made antibodies, which are used to fight the virus.

A Federal Health Department spokeswoman said they can only subsidise a medicine if the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee receives and then recommends an application.

“The Government cannot compel companies to submit applications,” she said.

A Victorian Government spokesman said they would implement “any recommendations” made by the National Immunisation Program.

“The Commonwealth has an important national leadership role in determining eligibility advice for the National Immunisation Program,” he said.

IFA’s unite against RSV campaign has received “unrestricted educational grants” from Sanofi, Beyfortus’ sponsor; GSK and Pfizer.