If you’re expecting a baby, you’re probably already thinking about all the ways you can give them the best start in life—safe sleep, car seats, feeding, and more. But did you know there’s now a way to protect your newborn from one of the most common and dangerous viruses affecting babies in their first few months?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the top reasons babies end up in hospital each year. In Western Australia alone, nearly 1,000 babies were hospitalised due to RSV in 2024. The good news? The WA Government has launched a new RSV Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program in 2025, offering free RSV vaccination during pregnancy to eligible women. This vaccine gives your baby early protection—before they’re even born.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, this guide covers everything you need to know about the RSV vaccine in WA, why it matters, who’s eligible, and how to access it.
What is RSV and why is it a concern for babies?
RSV is incredibly common—most kids will have caught it by the time they turn two. In older children and adults, it usually feels like a bad cold. But for babies under six months, RSV can be serious, sometimes even life-threatening.
Because their airways are smaller and immune systems less developed, babies are more likely to experience complications. RSV can cause:
- Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs)
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeding problems
- Hospitalisation
In fact, before the rollout of the RSV program, RSV was the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in WA. Babies under two months old are especially vulnerable, and unfortunately, there’s currently no vaccine that can be given directly to newborns.
That’s why protecting them during pregnancy is key—by helping mums pass on protective antibodies before birth.
How the RSV vaccine works during pregnancy
So, how exactly does the RSV vaccine help protect your baby?
In WA, the vaccine offered to pregnant women is called Abrysvo—developed specifically for use in late pregnancy. It’s given between 28 and 36 weeks gestation, which is the ideal window to maximise the transfer of protective antibodies from mother to baby before birth.
Once you receive the vaccine, your immune system responds by producing antibodies against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). These antibodies are naturally passed to your baby through the placenta, much like oxygen and nutrients. The result? Your baby is born with a level of immune protection that lasts for several months after birth—when they are most at risk of complications from RSV.
This approach is based on the same science used for other widely recommended maternal vaccines—such as those for whooping cough (pertussis) and influenza. These vaccines are routinely given in pregnancy across Australia and have a strong safety record, with benefits that clearly outweigh the risks.
What’s important to know is that Abrysvo is specifically approved for use in pregnancy. It’s one of two RSV vaccines currently approved for use in Australia, but only Abrysvo is designed for maternal immunisation. The other RSV vaccine available—called Arexvy—is used for older adults aged 60 and above. While both vaccines protect against RSV, they are targeted for different age groups and immune needs.
In WA’s program, only Abrysvo is used during pregnancy, as it’s been shown to reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in babies by providing early, passive immunity. The timing matters too: the vaccine must be given at least two weeks before birth to give your body time to build antibodies and pass them on effectively. If it’s given too close to delivery, or if not given at all, your baby may be offered a different protection called nirsevimab (brand name: Beyfortus)—a long-acting antibody injection given directly to newborns.
So, you have two highly effective options in WA:
- Abrysvo during pregnancy (maternal vaccine)
- Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for babies after birth (used in certain cases)
Both are part of WA’s 2025 RSV Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program, and both have been approved by Australian health authorities, supported by clinical trials, and shown to significantly reduce hospitalisations due to RSV.
In short: the RSV vaccine during pregnancy gives your baby a powerful immune advantage right from the start. It’s safe. It’s effective. And it gives you peace of mind during those vulnerable early weeks of life.
Real impact: Why this matters in WA
The results from early implementation of RSV immunisation in WA have been promising. In 2024, over 500 hospital admissions were prevented thanks to the infant RSV program, which included the use of Beyfortus as a preventative injection.
Now, with maternal RSV vaccination available, even more babies can be protected before birth, easing the pressure on our hospitals and giving families peace of mind.
This is a big step forward in preventing avoidable illness—and one that you can now be part of.
Who can get the RSV vaccine in WA?
If you’re pregnant and between 28 and 36 weeks gestation, you’re eligible to receive the RSV vaccine for free under WA’s 2025 RSV Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program.
You can get the vaccine through:
- Public antenatal clinics at maternity hospitals
- WA Country Health Service (WACHS) clinics
- Aboriginal Medical Services
- Participating GP clinics and pharmacies (check the HealthyWA website for an updated list of clinics).
- Private obstetric providers
Your GP or midwife can help you book the vaccine. No referral is needed if you’re attending a public hospital antenatal clinic. However, availability may vary, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm.
And remember: even if you’ve received the vaccine in a previous pregnancy, you can get it again. Each pregnancy is a new opportunity to protect a new baby.
Is the RSV vaccine free in Australia?
Yes—for eligible pregnant women in WA, the RSV vaccine is completely free under the 2025 state-funded program.
This means no out-of-pocket costs if you receive it at a participating clinic or hospital. The program is part of the broader National Immunisation Program (NIP), aimed at protecting infants during their most vulnerable stage.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your provider to make sure they’re part of the program—and to book early, especially during the RSV season (February to September).
A simple step that makes a big difference
Becoming a parent means doing a thousand little things to keep your baby safe. The RSV vaccine in WA is one of the easiest, most impactful things you can do before your baby is even born.
It’s free, safe, and could help prevent your baby from facing a serious illness during their first precious months.
If you’re pregnant—or know someone who is—talk to your GP or antenatal provider about RSV vaccination during pregnancy.
Need a local GP? The team at Brecken Health Bunbury is here to help you access the RSV vaccine and answer any questions you have.