Australia Launches Free RSV Vaccination Program for Pregnant Women and Newborns

The $174 million initiative aims to drastically reduce hospitalizations by offering vaccines to mothers and infants before winter 2025.

Pregnant women and newborns in Australia will receive free RSV vaccines under a new government program starting in 2025.
RSV is a leading cause of childhood hospitalizations, with 12,000 cases annually in children under one year old.
The initiative offers two vaccine options: Abrysvo for pregnant women and Beyfortus for newborns.
Health Minister Mark Butler expects the program to prevent up to 10,000 hospital admissions each winter.
The National Immunisation Program will fund the vaccines, making them accessible through hospitals and clinics nationwide.