Free RSV jabs for infants extended as WA braces for surge in cases this winter

The State Government has extended its free RSV immunisation programme for babies and young children, as WA braces for a surge in cases of the potentially life threatening illness this winter.

With the number of respiratory syncytial virus cases for 0-4-year-olds already totalling 688 so far this year, parents are being urged to take advantage of the free immunisations for infants.

The free immunisations — for 0-2 year-olds and available at community health clinics and antenatal clinics for all, regardless of Medicare access — commenced last July and was supposed to finish at the end of June.

But the WA-funded free vaccination programme will now run until July next year at a cost of $7.6 million.

“Every year 1 in 30 babies in WA require emergency care for RSV — a potentially life-threatening illness that can easily be prevented,” Premier Roger Cook said.

“My government’s free RSV immunisation program has more than halved the number of hospitalisations in babies under one year old, saving parents the heartache of seeing their children seriously ill, and easing pressure on our health system.”

RSV is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs. It spreads easily by coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and reduced appetite. It can also make breathing difficult and cause wheezing.

According to the government, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants during the first year of life and is eight times higher than admission from influenza.

Every year one in 30 babies are hospitalised with RSV.

The WA Government says the free immunisations have resulted in a 57 per cent reduction in hospitalisations of babies younger than 12 months, easing pressure on hospitals and emergency departments, and saving the WA health system millions of dollars in hospitalisation costs.

Almost 22,000 babies were protected during the 2024 RSV season.

“The results from our nation-leading rollout of the RSV vaccine for infants were remarkable, sparing hundreds of families the distress of seeing their babies in emergency care,” Health Minister Meredith Hammat said.

“This vaccination saves lives.

“Continuing to support the program is an easy decision for our government, and one that we hope will bring peace of mind for parents and parents-to-be, particularly during these colder months.”