Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation

RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)

The RSV-MIPP aims to protect newborn and infants at increased risk from RSV and reduce RSV‑associated infections and hospitalisations.

The program offers RSV immunisation products for pregnant women, and eligible infants who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Vaccination for pregnant women

The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo^®) is available all year-round under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

• Abrysvo® is recommended for pregnant women, including those aged under 18 years, to protect their infant.
• Vaccination is recommended in each pregnancy from 28 weeks gestation.
• If a pregnant woman has not been vaccinated by the end of 36 weeks gestation, the vaccine should be given as soon as possible.
• An immune response develops within weeks after vaccination, with protective antibodies transferred through the placenta. Antibody transfer increases progressively from the time of vaccination. However, protection is significantly reduced if the infant is born less than 2 weeks after the mother receives the vaccine.
• Maternal vaccination provides passive protection to newborns for up to 6 months.
• Abrysvo can be safely co-administered with other recommended antenatal vaccinations including diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (dTpa) vaccine and influenza vaccines. For further information on co-administration see the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
• Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.
• Abrysvo® vaccine is not approved for use in infants and children.

Infant immunisation

The Victorian Government-funded infant RSV immunisation program will run from mid-March to 30 September 2026. The program provides Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), a long-acting monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and young children.

Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria

Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and authorised midwives can administer RSV immunisation products without the need for additional authorisation.

Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health practitioner immunisers in Victoria are authorised to possess and administer Schedule 4 poisons via Secretary Approvals made under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017. The Secretary Approvals specify the immunisation products they are authorised to administer and the conditions of the approval.

The RSV immunisation products these immunisers are authorised to possess and administer is listed below.

Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and authorised midwives can administer RSV immunisation products without the need for additional authorisation.

Immunisers must always refer to their relevant Secretary Approval for the conditions associated with administration of the approved RSV immunisation products.

All immunisers must maintain competence and operate within their individual scope of practice by ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and currency of practice for all immunisations that they provide.

Adverse Events Following Immunisation

Immunisation providers should report any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook to find out more about common and rare AEFI of RSV vaccines.

Unexpected or serious AEFI, including vaccine administration errors, should be reported to SAEFVIC, Victoria’s safety surveillance partner. Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.

RSV vaccine administration errors

Learn how to avoid vaccine errors and establish practices that can identify report and manager vaccine errors. Refer to Vaccine error management.

Refer to NCIRS clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration errors.

Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)

Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5'

• Store RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in the original package to protect the product from light.
• Abrysvo® vaccine must be reconstituted prior to administration. Special instructions are provided for the diluent and vial adaptor required for Abrysvo® vaccine.

Refer to Abrysvo® RSV vaccine and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) monoclonal antibody product information.

Ordering RSV vaccines and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)

Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can order Abrysvo® RSV vaccine via Onelink online.

Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab will be available to order from early March 2026.

Refer to ordering vaccines for details on how to order vaccines through Onelink Online.

Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is mandatory to report all NIP immunisations, including Abrysvo® to the AIR. Additionally, providers are strongly encouraged to record all Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) immunisations given on the AIR.

Please refer to the Uploading to AIR factsheet for full details.

Further information can be found at the Using the Australian Immunisation Register webpage.