In South Australia, a new initiative will provide free vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for pregnant women and infants, aimed at reducing hospital admissions following a challenging season. This program includes two distinct RSV immunisation options.
The primary offering will be a maternal vaccine, soon to be approved, which aims to protect both expectant mothers and their newborns from the severe impacts of RSV. Health Minister Chris Picton has stated that this initiative will serve as the main shield for both mothers and infants. For mothers unable to receive the maternal vaccine or for those with high-risk infants, an alternative vaccine option will also be made available.
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier described the initiative as a transformative development, predicting significant improvements in public health outcomes. Currently, the RSV vaccine is accessible only to the elderly, typically at a high cost, with aspirations for around 80% participation from pregnant women in the new vaccination program next year. This move reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public health in the region, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and expectant mothers.