What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
RSV is a virus that is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infection.
Repeated infections are common throughout life because natural infection does not confer long-lasting immunity.
RSV disease is most common in very young children, elderly people and First Nations people.
In adults, RSV usually causes upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, such as cough, sore throat and nasal congestion, similar to other respiratory viruses. Wheezing, earache and sinus pain occur more commonly with RSV infection than with other viruses. Lower respiratory tract infection can also cause wheezing and breathing difficulty. In children, primary RSV infection usually occurs by two years of age.
It is a leading cause of hospitalisation due to lower respiratory tract infection and bronchiolitis in infants aged up to six months.
PRICING
Members - $341.01
Non-members - $378.90
NIP (Pregnant women only) - Free
Payment is required at the time of administering the vaccine.
Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Protection Program
The Victorian Government, in partnership with the Commonwealth, has implemented the National Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) in 2025.
This initiative aims to protect both pregnant women and infants from serious illness caused by RSV.
RSV is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies and can lead to hospitalisation especially during winter. By protecting both mother and child through the RSV-MIPP, we can significantly reduce this risk.
At Bendigo UFS, we support this program by offering access to RSV protection for eligible individuals
RSV Maternal Protection Program
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Maternal Protection Program is a joint initiative between the Victorian Government and the Australian Government, delivered through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Under this program, the Abrysvo® vaccine is provided free of charge to eligible pregnant women to help protect their baby against RSV from birth.
This maternal vaccination program complements the RSV Infant Protection Program, which provides free Beyfortus™ immunisation to babies and young children who need extra protection against RSV.
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Getting vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect your baby from severe respiratory illness during the first months of life.
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The only RSV vaccine recommended during pregnancy is Abrysvo®.
When given between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation, the vaccine helps the mother develop protective antibodies against RSV. These antibodies are passed to the baby through the placenta and provide early protection from birth — especially important during RSV season.
Research shows that receiving the vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in babies under six months of age by around 70%.
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The RSV maternal vaccine is available free under the National Immunisation Program for:
Pregnant individuals between 28 and 36 weeks gestation.
No referral is needed.
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The Abrysvo® vaccine is safe to receive during pregnancy and can be administered at the same time as other recommended vaccines (such as whooping cough and influenza).
RSV Infant Protection Program
The RSV Infant Protection Program is funded by the Victorian Government.
This program provides a free RSV immunisation using Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) — a long-acting monoclonal antibody — to help protect babies and young children at risk of serious illness from RSV.
This infant program complements the RSV Maternal Protection Program, which provides the Abrysvo® vaccine to pregnant women to help protect their baby from birth.
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in infants under 12 months. It can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and other serious respiratory illnesses.
Beyfortus™ is not a vaccine but acts similarly by providing immediate, passive immunity to help babies fight RSV during their most vulnerable months.
What Is Beyfortus™?
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is a single-dose monoclonal antibody given by injection. It provides protection against RSV for around 5 months — covering the peak RSV season.
Unlike a vaccine, Beyfortus™ works by delivering ready-made antibodies
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Your baby may be eligible for free RSV immunisation if they meet one of the following criteria:
Born between 1 April and 30 September 2025 and the mother:
Did not receive the RSV maternal vaccine, or
Was vaccinated less than 14 days before birth
At increased risk of severe RSV illness (e.g. born prematurely, or with chronic lung, heart or neurological conditions)
Under 24 months of age and eligible for catch-up protection before their second RSV season due to increased risk
Speak to your immunisation provider to confirm your baby’s eligibility.
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Beyfortus™ is safe and well-tolerated for infants. It is administered as a single injection, usually in the thigh.
It can be given alongside other routine immunisations as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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RSV immunisation is recommended for:
All adults over 75 years
All pregnant women to protect their newborn infant (at 28-36 weeks gestation)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 60 to 74 years
Adults aged 60 to 74 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease due to RSV
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The RSV vaccine is currently subsidised on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women only. The cost of the RSV vaccine for non-eligible Bendigo UFS members is $341.32, and for non-members $378.90. Payment is required at the time of administering the vaccine.
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Walk-in appointments are currently available at all Bendigo UFS Pharmacies stores but a walk-in appointment is not guaranteed. Pre bookings are available.
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We recommend visiting www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au as a great information source. To locate RSV information directly visit here.
Last updated May 2025