Immunisation for the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants

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Content last updated 24/04/2024

Immunisation for the prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in infants

Queensland Health has introduced the Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program (QPRSVP) to provide free RSV immunisation to eligible Queensland infants and young children.

RSV is the most common cause of early childhood lower respiratory tract infection. It can cause particularly severe illness in infants in their first year of life (especially under 3 months), infants with complex medical problems and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Commencing from 15 April 2024, nirsevimab will be available in all Queensland birthing hospitals for newborn infants.

From 29 April 2024, parents and carers of eligible infants and young children can access nirsevimab from their routine immunisation provider.

Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) is a monoclonal antibody with studies demonstrating 70-80% protection against RSV lower respiratory tract infection for up to five months. It provides “passive immunisation” in contrast to “active immunity” provided by vaccines and infection. It is synthetically-derived and not a blood product so does not carry the associated risks.

A baby or infant is eligible for nirsevimab if they:

were born on or after 1 February 2024, up until less than 8 months age
are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants, up until than 8 months of age
have certain complex medical conditions, up until less than 8 months of age
have certain complex medical conditions and are 8 months up to 19 months of age (inclusive), until 31 October 2024.

Dosage is based on age and weight at time of administration, not birth weight. Full dosing formation and definition of complex medical conditions is available in the attached Clinical Guidance for Immunisation Service Providers.

Nirsevimab is safe and well tolerated with mostly mild side effects including rash, fever and redness and swelling at injection site.

Ordering for GP clinics will be by special order from the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP).

For further information regarding administration, side effects, precautions, contraindications, storage and ordering please see the Clinical Guidance for Immunisation Service Providers.

The Immunisation Service Providers Toolkit includes additional resources including consent forms, parent/carer information and posters for display.