Infants will be able to receive a free immunisation to protect them against serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), under a new $16.6 million NSW Government RSV prevention program to begin next year.

RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness infecting up to 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life. It can affect anyone, but the infection is more severe in children under one year of age, who may develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.

This year there have been about 70,000 cases of RSV detected in people who were tested in NSW to November 7 . More than 10,000, or 15 per cent, of the cases were among children aged under 12 months’ old.

From early 2025, pregnant women will be offered a free vaccine, recommended at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, under the National Immunisation Program, which will in turn protect their newborn infant from RSV.

Preliminary data from a trial immunisation program earlier this year resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in RSV notification rates in all infants less than six months old.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including RSV. There are some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves, their loved ones and community including stay at home if people have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if people need to leave home and practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing.

• Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows

• Avoid crowded places

• Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms

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