WA Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program
- Across Western Australia, an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is recommended for all pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- An RSV immunisation product (Beyfortus) is also available to eligible babies and children residing in, or about to reside in, the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
- Abrysvo and Beyfortus are safe and effective at preventing RSV.
- Important information for you to know:
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus , or 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.
How can you protect your baby or child from RSV-related illness?
In Western Australia there are 2 options to protect your baby against RSV.
Option A (Abrysvo): a maternal vaccination recommended to all pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Getting one dose of Abrysvo generates RSV antibodies that cross the placenta. This protects your baby from birth for up to 6 months, when they are most at risk, and reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in very young babies by about 70 per cent.
Abrysvo was registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in March 2024.
Option B (Beyfortus, also known as nirsevimab): an immunisation available for eligible babies and children residing in, or who are soon to reside in, the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
If Abrysvo was not given during pregnancy, Beyfortus should be given to your baby before they leave hospital, protecting them from RSV almost immediately. Some babies and children will also need a Beyfortus immunisation if they are at high risk of RSV-related illness. Medical studies show Beyfortus to be about 80 per cent effective at preventing RSV-associated hospitalisation among infants, and 90 per cent effective at preventing an admission to an intensive care unit.
Beyfortus was registered by the TGA in November 2023.
Who is eligible for RSV immunisation?
Abrysvo is available and recommended for all pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Children residing in, or who are soon to reside in, the Kimberley or Pilbara regions AND who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible for Beyfortus:
- Non-Aboriginal children without a medical risk condition aged < 8 months
- Aboriginal children without a medical risk condition up to 24 months of age
- All children with a medical risk condition up to 24 months of age
Note: Beyfortus is available regardless of Medicare card access.
Where to get immunised?
Immunisation is available at:
In addition, pregnant women can also access Abrysvo at:
Learn more about where to get immunised.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Beyfortus and Abrysvo may cause side effects. Although uncommon, side effects can include:
- rash
- injection site reactions (pain, redness or swelling) or
- fever
- fatigue.
Almost all reactions are minor and usually go away within a few days. Serious side effects from immunisation are very rare. Learn more about possible side effects, how to manage them, and what to do when you have concerns about side effects.
In 2024, over 24,000 children were immunised with Beyfortus across WA. WA Health monitored reactions following Beyfortus via SMS, and received the following feedback:
- 93 per cent of parents reported no adverse events following Beyfortus (when Beyfortus was the only immunisation administered)
- most reactions were minor and resolved quickly
- 23 Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) were reported to WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) and no severe AEFIs were found to be related to Beyfortus.
How do I access my AIR immunisation history statement?
Every immunisation you receive should be recorded on the AIR.
You can also access your AIR Immunisation History Statement at any time through:
Note: If you think a vaccine is missing from your AIR Immunisation History Statement, ask your vaccination provider to update the AIR. If your vaccinations are still not showing 10 days after your vaccination provider has updated the AIR, you may need to update your contact details using your Medicare online account. If your contact details are correct and you still can’t see your vaccinations, contact the AIR on 1 800 653 809. If any details, such as name or date of birth, are incorrect on the AIR, or if you have recently changed your address, you can either call the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011 and ask to have these updated, or update using your Medicare online account.
If you do not hold a Medicare card, you must call the AIR on 1800 653 809 to request an Immunisation History Statement.
Learn more about the AIR and how to access your vaccination record.
Where to get help
More information
For immunisation information, contact your local immunisation provider.
Last reviewed: 01-10-2025
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.