South Australia has rolled out a free immunisation initiative designed to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) through the colder months. The program provides a vaccine for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody for infants and young children who are most at risk.
Since its introduction earlier this year, more than 70 per cent of eligible pregnant women have been vaccinated and over 3,400 babies have received the monoclonal antibody. Health data is showing a strong effect: infections in infants under one year have dropped by almost half compared with last year, while hospital admissions have fallen from 18 per cent in 2024 to 9 per cent this year.
Doctors say RSV is particularly tough on babies, often causing breathing difficulties, problems with feeding and low oxygen levels. The maternal vaccine works by allowing protective antibodies to pass from mother to child before birth, giving infants defence from the moment they arrive. For families where vaccination during pregnancy was not possible, the monoclonal antibody is available to cover that gap, with access extended to children up to two years of age who have underlying health conditions.
Officials have noted that most of the infants hospitalised with RSV this year had not yet received protection, reinforcing the importance of early uptake. The combination of maternal vaccination and infant antibody treatment is already being credited with reducing pressure on hospitals and helping families avoid the stress of serious illness in their youngest members.
The RSV Maternal and Infant Protection Program began in February with the maternal vaccine funded by the Federal Government, while the monoclonal antibody was added in April through State Government support. Both are available at GPs, public hospitals, pharmacies, council immunisation services, Aboriginal health services and through the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Health authorities are planning a full evaluation of the program to measure its long-term impact on infection and hospitalisation rates. For now, the early signs are encouraging, showing that a high level of community participation can make a measurable difference to the health of babies during RSV season.
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