A prominent health organisation is urging the federal government to provide the $300 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine at no cost to thousands of vulnerable Australians, as infection rates increase nationwide. The latest data reveals nearly 120,000 RSV cases have been reported in Australia this year, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater, stated that the symptoms of RSV can be severe, often leading to hospitalisation, particularly among older adults. In a personal account, Anne Fidler described her experience after contracting the virus from her granddaughter. She suffered headaches, chest wheezing, and a runny nose, eventually requiring specialist support due to her existing lung condition.
Currently, pregnant women can access a free RSV vaccination that offers protection to newborns. However, for the broader population, the vaccine remains priced at approximately $300. According to Griffin, the vaccine is highly effective in reducing serious outcomes of RSV infections in older adults and those at higher risk.
Many advocacy groups, including the Lung Foundation, are calling for the vaccine to be included in the national immunisation program to eliminate financial barriers for those who need it most. Mark Brooke, CEO of the Lung Foundation, emphasised the need for the Australian government to fund RSV vaccinations for clinically indicated groups.
While three RSV vaccines are approved for Australians aged 60 and over, their inclusion in the free National Immunisation Program depends on evaluations by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). Currently, public funding for Pfizer’s vaccine has been recommended for individuals aged 75 and older, as well as eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, but it has not yet made it onto the official list due to cost-effectiveness concerns. Pfizer has announced it is in discussions with the Department of Health, while GlaxoSmithKline and Moderna are also seeking funding approvals.
In the interim, vulnerable Australians are advised to take precautions to minimise their risk of infection. Brooke recommended wearing masks or maintaining distance from family members who are unwell as effective measures to enhance safety during this increasing RSV season.