Tasmania sets sights on infant health with RSV immunisation program in 2025

By Maria Irene
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Representational Image by Christo Anestev from Pixabay

Starting in 2025, Tasmania will embark on a pioneering effort to safeguard its youngest residents from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with a comprehensive immunisation programme designed to reduce the impact of this serious illness. RSV, a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, is particularly dangerous for young infants and has long been one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in this vulnerable age group.

The announcement comes as part of Tasmania’s ongoing commitment to improving public health, with a particular focus on protecting its youngest citizens. The Tasmanian Government, in collaboration with the Commonwealth, will launch a national RSV maternal and infant protection programme aimed at reducing the threat posed by this potentially severe respiratory illness, particularly as the colder months approach and RSV activity typically spikes.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roger Jaensch, expressed the government’s determination to ensure that all Tasmanian infants receive the necessary protection against RSV. The new immunisation programme will not only safeguard infants but also support the broader goal of enhancing Tasmania’s public health services under the state’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. The plan, which aims to make Tasmania the best place to live, work, and raise a family, includes vital health initiatives such as vaccination programmes to protect the community, especially the most vulnerable groups.

RSV can lead to serious illnesses in young children, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and is responsible for numerous hospital admissions every year. The focus of the new immunisation programme is to target those most at risk – newborns and pregnant women. Beginning in early 2025, vaccination against RSV will be offered free of charge to pregnant women, with the vaccination recommended during the 28 to 36-week stage of gestation. This vaccination will help provide mothers with protective antibodies, which they can pass on to their infants, offering crucial defence during the infant’s first six months of life, the period when they are most vulnerable to RSV.

Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Scott McKeown, has endorsed the initiative, emphasising the importance of vaccinating pregnant women to prevent RSV in their newborns. By providing these protective antibodies, the vaccination ensures that infants are shielded from severe forms of the virus during the most critical months of their early lives. Dr McKeown’s statement reiterates the significance of this effort as part of a long-term public health strategy, recognising that early intervention is key to reducing hospitalisation rates and long-term complications.

In addition to the maternal vaccine, the Tasmanian Government is introducing a monoclonal antibody programme that will be available to eligible infants and young children. This long-acting antibody, known as nirsevimab, will offer protection to infants whose mothers did not receive the maternal vaccine or those who are at higher risk of developing severe RSV. Nirsevimab will be available for free to those most at risk, ensuring that vulnerable infants, particularly those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions, have access to critical protection ahead of the winter season when RSV activity is at its peak.

The introduction of nirsevimab immunisation represents an additional layer of protection for Tasmania’s youngest residents, offering an important preventive measure for those most susceptible to the virus. By expanding the scope of protection to include monoclonal antibodies, the Tasmanian Government aims to provide a comprehensive approach to combatting RSV.

The implementation of this RSV immunisation programme is a timely response to a public health issue that has been affecting communities for many years. With RSV causing an estimated 80,000 hospitalisations annually in Australia, the need for preventive measures has never been more pressing. The new programme is a testament to Tasmania’s proactive stance in addressing public health challenges, particularly those affecting infants and children, who are often the most vulnerable to infectious diseases.

The development of the RSV programme also reflects a broader trend in global health towards more targeted and accessible immunisation initiatives. As public health challenges continue to evolve, initiatives like this one serve as critical examples of how government policies can adapt to meet emerging threats to public health.

The launch of the RSV immunisation programme in 2025 will mark a significant step forward in improving the health outcomes for Tasmania’s infants and young children. It represents a thoughtful and well-coordinated response to the challenges posed by RSV and offers a model for other regions to follow in addressing similar public health issues. By ensuring that all infants and pregnant women have access to vital immunisations and treatments, Tasmania is laying the foundation for a healthier future for its younger generations.

The programme also highlights the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments in addressing health issues that affect the wider community. By working together, the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments are able to deliver a coordinated response to RSV, ensuring that resources are effectively utilised and that the programme reaches as many people as possible.

As the new programme rolls out in early 2025, residents of Tasmania are encouraged to engage with their healthcare providers to discuss the vaccination options available to them. Pregnant women, in particular, are urged to consult with their GP to ensure they are aware of the timing and benefits of the RSV vaccination. The programme’s success will depend on the widespread uptake of both the maternal vaccine and the monoclonal antibody treatment for infants, and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in ensuring that the community is informed and prepared for the upcoming RSV season.

This initiative provides a valuable opportunity to further demonstrate the impact of preventative healthcare, offering a chance to reduce the burden of RSV hospitalisations and ultimately save lives. As the program progresses, it will be interesting to see how its success is measured, not only in terms of reduced hospital admissions but also in how it fosters a greater understanding of the importance of early vaccination and proactive health measures within the Tasmanian community.

Ultimately, this new RSV immunisation programme represents a forward-thinking approach to public health, one that prioritises the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of society. With the backing of both the state and federal governments, and the expertise of healthcare providers, Tasmania is taking decisive action to ensure that its youngest residents are protected from the serious risks posed by respiratory syncytial virus. This collaboration underscores the vital role that immunisation plays in safeguarding public health, ensuring that Tasmania continues to lead by example in health innovation and accessibility for all.


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Maria Irene
As a dedicated journalist at The Indian Sun, I explore an array of subjects from education and real estate to macroeconomics and finance. My work deep dives into the Australia-India relationship, identifying potential collaboration opportunities. Besides journalism, I create digestible content for a financial platform, making complex economic theories comprehensible. I believe journalism should not only report events but create an impact by highlighting crucial issues and fostering discussions. Committed to enhancing public dialogue on global matters, I ensure my readers stay not just informed, but actively engaged, through diverse platforms, ready to participate in these critical conversations.

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