Protect country kids from RSV

Country families are now able to protect their newborn and young babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a very common and highly infectious virus that affects infants and young children and is a common cause of coughs and colds during the winter months.

In WA, more than 65 per cent of infants are affected by RSV during their first year with those under 6 months of age most at risk.

RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia, with approximately 1,200 babies in WA needing to be hospitalised each year.

All babies born from 1 October 2023 now have access to the RSV immunisation through participating GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community health clinics. Aboriginal children and those considered at high risk due to pre-existing medical conditions born from 1 October 2022 will also be offered the immunisation.

New babies born between 1 May and 30 September 2024 will be able to receive the RSV immunisation in hospital.

The program runs until 30 September.

Read more: Protecting our kids from RSV (healthywa.wa.gov.au)