Overview
- This week the Immunisation Foundation of Australia reported more than 83,000 RSV cases so far in 2026 and roughly 890 confirmed infections a day, making it the country’s most reported respiratory virus for the first time since 2021.
- The government made the vaccine free in May for people aged 75 and over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, but uptake trails influenza protection with about 722,530 RSV doses given compared with 1.76 million flu shots in the same groups.
- Published reports cite studies showing high vaccine effectiveness in older adults, with figures above 85% for preventing severe RSV hospitalisation, and early national infant program data link the maternal/infant rollout to roughly a 70% fall in paediatric admissions compared with 2024.
- Health experts warn older people and babies remain at highest risk because the virus can cause severe lower respiratory disease, and aged care providers say vaccination plus infection controls have limited outbreaks in residential homes this winter.
- Clinicians are urging eligible Australians to get vaccinated at GPs, pharmacies or community clinics because higher uptake could ease pressure on hospitals this season and blunt a rise in winter admissions as flu begins to increase in some regions.