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.
The RSV vaccine is fully government funded for
Adults aged 75 years and older
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 60–74 years
Pregnant women at 28 to 36 weeks to protect their newborn from RSV.
Privately funded vaccination is also available and recommended for adults over 50 years with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease,however, there is currently no government funding in place for these groups.
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).
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 over 50 years with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease due to RSV
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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 2026