Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections.
While it affects people of all ages, infants and young children are most frequently affected.
Infants and older adults are most at risk of serious illness.
It occurs more frequently in autumn and winter.
Most people have mild to moderate illness that self-resolves.
Infants and people with pre-existing heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system have a higher risk of serious illness.
It can spread from person-to-person. Therefore good hand washing, respiratory hygiene and cleaning practices are important in preventing RSV.
Call an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if your child is turning blue, having trouble breathing, or is breathing very quickly.
The RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) has been introduced in 2025, providing free RSV vaccines under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women and state funded immunisation for eligible infants to protect against severe RSV.
Vaccination to protect people aged 50 years and older from severe illness due to RSV is available. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.
RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV MIPP)
A nationally consistent immunisation program for mothers and babies has been introduced in 2025 to protect infants from RSV. The RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) offers RSV immunisation to pregnant women and infants most at risk of severe RSV disease.
Vaccination for pregnant women
A single dose of Abrysvo® RSV vaccine is available all year round for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks of their pregnancy under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This vaccine helps protect newborns by passing on RSV – specific antibodies from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.
A single dose recommended between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy but may be given after 36 weeks based on clinical advice.
It is not approved for use in infants or children.
The maternal vaccine is available through maternity services, general practices, community pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and some local council immunisation services.
The RSV-MIPP prioritises uptake of the maternal Abrysvo® RSV vaccine, to provide the baby with passive protection against RSV during the first six months of infancy.
Victoria is offering a seasonal infant RSV immunisation program from 1 April to 30 September 2025. This program provides a free long-acting monoclonal antibody (Beyfortus™ / nirsevimab) to eligible infants and young children.
Infants may be eligible if:
their mother did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy
their mother was vaccinated less than two weeks before birth
they are at increased risk of severe RSV, regardless of maternal vaccination status.
A catch-up program is also available for children under 24 months, entering their second RSV season who remain vulnerable to severe RSV.
The infant program will pause after 30 September 2025 and resume in 2026, aligned with Victoria’s RSV season.
Infant immunisation is available through participating public and private birthing hospitals, community immunisation clinics, general practices, and Aboriginal Health Services.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for free RSV immunisation, speak with your immunisation provider.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
It affects people of all ages but especially infants and young children. Most young children have been infected with RSV at some stage by the age of 2 years. It is usually seasonal, occurring more frequently in autumn and winter.
It is one of the most frequent causes of the common cold and ear infections. It can also cause more serious respiratory infections such as:
bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways in the lungs)
RSV can also worsen pre-existing heart or lung problems such as heart failure or asthma.
Symptoms of RSV
Symptoms usually occur within 5 days but can occur as soon as one day or up to 10 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks.
Most people get mild to moderate illness that self-resolves. Symptoms are similar to a common cold and can include:
Signs and symptoms of serious respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia and croup can include:
looking or feeling very unwell
wheezing or difficulty breathing including rapid, shallow or irregular breathing
blue discolouration or paleness of the skin
looking or feeling very tired or irritable
eating or drinking less than their usual amount
persistent or high fevers
worsening cough or mucous producing cough.
Seek medical care if symptoms do not resolve, symptoms worsen, or if there are signs and symptoms of serious respiratory infections.
Call an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if your child is turning blue, having trouble breathing, or is breathing very quickly.
Spread of RSV
A person with RSV is infectious from just before the onset of illness until usually 10 days after symptoms begin, but this may be longer in people with ongoing symptoms or serious illness.
RSV can spread easily from person-to-person through:
respiratory droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing
touching objects and surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets.
The virus can survive on objects and surfaces for several hours so good cleaning, hand washing, and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing spread.
People who have previously had RSV are still susceptible to repeat infections.
High-risk groups
Infants, young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system are most at-risk of serious illness from RSV.
Prevention of RSV
RSV vaccination is recommended for:
all people aged 75 years and older
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older
people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged 50 years and older
pregnant women to protect their newborn infant.
An immunisation product is also available for eligible infants.
People are strongly advised to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccination against other respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19.
Respiratory and hand hygiene
Good cleaning, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing the spread of RSV, especially in people with symptoms:
Stay home if unwell.
Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally using a disposable tissue.
Regularly wash hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser.
Regularly clean surfaces and objects such as toys that may be contaminated using a household detergent.
Avoid contact with high-risk groups when unwell, such as infants, young children, older people and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis of RSV
RSV infections are usually diagnosed from symptoms and clinical examination by the doctor. RSV and other kinds of viruses can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.
Treatment of RSV
Treatment of RSV is mainly supportive through:
rest
drinking plenty of fluids
paracetamol.
RSV is a viral infection, so antibiotics are not effective.
Some people, especially high-risk groups, may require additional treatment from their GP or hospital admission.
