RSV Vaccination: Protecting Children, Pregnant Women and Older Australians

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common virus that affects the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people will catch RSV at some point in their lives, and while it often causes symptoms similar to a common cold, it can sometimes lead to serious illness.

RSV infections are most common during the colder months and can spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with infected individuals.

Why is RSV Important?

While many healthy adults recover from RSV without complications, certain groups are at a much higher risk of severe illness.

RSV in Children

RSV is one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children. Symptoms may include:

• Runny nose and cough

• Fever

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

• Reduced feeding and dehydration

Some children, particularly babies under 12 months of age, may require hospitalisation due to breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels.

RSV During Pregnancy

Pregnant women who develop RSV may experience more significant respiratory symptoms than non-pregnant adults. In addition, vaccination during pregnancy can help provide protective antibodies to the baby before birth, reducing the risk of severe RSV infection during the first months of life.

RSV in Older Adults

Adults aged 60 years and over are at increased risk of serious RSV-related complications. RSV can lead to:

• Pneumonia

• Exacerbations of asthma and COPD

• Heart failure complications

• Hospitalisation

• Increased risk of death in frail older adults

The risk becomes even higher for people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

Benefits of RSV Vaccination

RSV vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Benefits of RSV vaccination include:

• Reduced risk of severe RSV infection

• Lower chance of hospital admission

• Protection against RSV-related pneumonia

• Reduced complications in older adults

• Protection for newborn babies when vaccination is given during pregnancy

While vaccination may not prevent every RSV infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.

Free RSV Vaccine for Australians Aged 75 Years and Over

The Australian Government has introduced funding to improve access to RSV vaccination for older Australians. Eligible patients aged 75 years and over can now access RSV vaccination at no cost through participating providers.

This initiative recognises that older Australians are among the groups most vulnerable to serious RSV complications. By removing the financial barrier, more seniors can receive protection against a virus that causes thousands of hospitalisations each year.

If you are aged 75 years or older, or have a family member who is, it is worth discussing RSV vaccination with your GP.

RSV Vaccination at Southlands General Practice, Willetton

At Southlands General Practice, our GPs can provide advice on:

• RSV vaccination eligibility

• RSV vaccines for older adults

• RSV vaccination during pregnancy

• Respiratory health assessments

• Prevention of winter respiratory illnesses

If you are looking for an RSV vaccine in Willetton, a GP clinic in Willetton, or would like to discuss whether RSV vaccination is right for you or your family, our team is here to help.

Book an Appointment

RSV can be more than just a common cold, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and older adults. Vaccination provides an important layer of protection and can help reduce the risk of serious complications.

Contact Southlands General Practice today to discuss RSV vaccination in Willetton and protect yourself and your loved ones this respiratory virus season.