Victorian government announces free RVS “vaccine” for babies

Victorian babies will finally be able to get a free lifesaving RSV jab next winter, saving parents about $300 and protecting bubs from the contagious virus.

Victorian babies will finally be able to get a free long-lasting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) “vaccine” next winter, saving parents around $300 per shot.

Called nirsevimab it is not a vaccine in the usual sense, but more a new form of immunisation that retains its activity for up to nine months.

The Victorian government announced on Wednesday it will spend $18.7 million to deliver the lifesaving vaccine free for unprotected newborns and eligible infants up to eight months.

The one-off injection has been rolled out in the US and Europe following successful clinical trials which helped reduce hospitalisation by up to 83 per cent if delivered to over 90 per cent of babies.

A study in Western Australia, one of the first states to provide the immunisation for free, has already found a 60 per cent reduction in RSV-related infant hospitalisations, having achieved over 80 per cent uptake this winter.

A free “vaccine” will be available next winter for babies under eight months with a catch-up program for eligible Victorian children under two. Picture: iStock

Meanwhile, a new RSV vaccine for pregnant women is expected to be funded by the Commonwealth.

RSV is a contagious virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract.

It spreads through coughs and sneezes and most children will be infected before the age of two. However, in some it can have serious complications including lung infections such as bronchiolitis and severe pneumonia and long-term health problems like asthma.

New research by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) found it causes over 6000 hospitalisations each year in Australia, half are children under five and infants under six months are at the greatest risk. While deaths are rare, up to one in 10 may require intensive care.

RACGP Victoria Deputy Chair Dr Aadhil Aziz said it was a fantastic initiative from the Victorian government, and one GPs have been calling for.

“RSV immunisation is the best way to prevent infants from being hospitalised due to RSV, and to prevent parents having to experience that,” Dr Aziz said.

“We’re glad the Victorian government has listened to patients and GPs and taken action.”

A study by the RACGP found data for monoclonal antibodies for newborns had been reassuring. Picture: iStock

University of Melbourne and Doherty Institute Emeritus Professor Terry Nolan said there was evidence to show the vaccination worked “extremely well” in babies, including new data from Western Australia where it was used this past winter.

“I applaud the Victorian government for coming on board and making this decision to complement what will happen, we hope, with the maternal vaccination program,” he said.

“Data shows it is extremely effective and there is no concern about safety.”

The Victorian government said nirsevimab will be available for babies and infants whose mother was unable to be immunised or immunised less than two weeks before delivery.

A catch-up program will also be offered for eligible Victorian infants aged up to two years.

“We have worked closely with the federal government and other jurisdictions to ensure we can deliver a lifesaving RSV immunisation program for all eligible women and babies regardless of their postcode or bank balance,” Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said on Wednesday.

“We look forward to the federal government resolving other known eligibility barriers that continue to prevent monoclonal antibody treatments from being listed on the National Immunisation Program.”