New and updated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) resources

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing have released several new and updated resources in the wake of the Australian Immunisation Handbook RSV chapter update.

The resources include:

• RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody poster
• a new frequently asked questions fact sheet that answers common questions about RSV for a general audience.
• an updated poster that gives a clear snapshot of which RSV immunisation products are recommended for which age groups and cohorts; the resource may be useful as a reminder or warning notice in healthcare settings.
• updated versions of the Department’s previous RSV program advice for health professionals and consumer fact sheet.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) chapter has been updated as immunisation providers work to reduce the respiratory disease burden under the nation’s RSV prevention framework this winter.

New ATAGI Statement for RSV

In line with the Handbook update, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released an RSV statement focused on the persistent problem of RSV immunisation product administration errors and how they can be avoided.

The statement ‘strongly recommends’ immunisation providers adopt several specific measures to reduce the risk of errors, including:

• storing immunisation products for the use in different age groups in separate areas of the vaccine refrigerator.
• the use of separate, labelled storage areas for RSV-related products meant for infants and young children (the long-acting monoclonal antibody Beyfortus [nirsevimab]) and those meant for pregnant women (Abrysvo) and older adults (Arexvy, Abrysvo).
• displaying reminders or warning notices to alert staff to avoid potential errors.
• following a procedure checklist for selecting the correct immunisation product.
• using alert and prompt functions (e.g. Primary Sense)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been receiving reports of RSV immunisation products being delivered incorrectly in Australia. The two most common errors include:

• Arexvy being given to pregnant women (Arexvy is for older adults)
• Abrysvo being given to infants (Abrysvo is for pregnant women)

In response, the regulatory authority published a dedicated webpage ‘reminding prescribers and vaccination providers that each product is specifically indicated for different patient groups’ and giving advice on how to prevent errors.

• Arexvy – is a vaccine used to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in individuals aged 60 years and older, or those aged 50–59 years who are at increased risk of RSV disease. Arexvy was approved by the TGA on 14 January 2024.
• Abrysvo -is a vaccine given to pregnant women to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in their infants from birth through to 6 months of age. It is also approved for use in individuals aged 60 years and older. As of 3 February 2025, Abrysvo has been funded for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks’ gestation under the NIP.
• Beyfortus – (nirsevimab) is a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody given to infants and children to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is delivered through state and territory immunisation programs.

Handbook updates:

View the Handbook updates page history.

• Vaccination for each pregnancy: The latest Handbook revision includes recommendations to vaccinate each pregnancy with Abrysvo from 28 weeks (February 2026).
• Age extension for adults: Extending the age range for adults who can choose to receive the RSV vaccine Arexvy.
• Removal of pregnancy upper gestational age: A minor clarifying changes that Abrysvo is recommended to be given to a pregnant woman from 28 weeks (previously 28-36 weeks).

This table that includes guidance on how to respond if the incorrect RSV immunisation product is given (see below) has also been added to the chapter, following NCIRS’ previous clinical guidance on the same topic.

NCIRS updated resources:

The up-to-date FAQs are now organised into dedicated sections for infants, young children and pregnant women and older adults, as part of a revamp designed to increase clarity and ease of navigation.