As RSV Awareness Week begins, the Australian Medical Association is encouraging Australians to speak with their GP about vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), warning that the virus can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and death among vulnerable groups.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said RSV remains widely misunderstood despite its impact on older Australians, babies and people at greater risk of serious respiratory illness.
“This week is an important reminder not to be complacent about a virus that can have serious consequences,” Dr McMullen said. “Too many people still think RSV is just a bad cold, but for some Australians it can be far more serious than that.
“There are now funded vaccines for people who need protection most, with the federal government this year adding the vaccine to the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 years and older. This follows the addition of the maternal vaccine to the program last year.”
The call comes as Australia continues to record a substantial burden from RSV. The virus was the third most common cause of hospitalisation among older adults with a respiratory viral infection last year, while 587 deaths in Australia involved RSV.
Dr McMullen said vaccination programs were already showing encouraging results, particularly among young children.
“More than 225,000 mothers have received the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies from serious illness since the vaccines were first made available in February last year. This has resulted in a drop of more than 9 per cent in RSV cases for young children from 86,000 in 2024 to 78,000 in 2025.”
RSV was the third most common cause of hospitalisation among older adults with a respiratory viral infection last year, while 587 deaths in Australia involved RSV
RSV is a common seasonal virus that circulates during the colder months. While many people experience symptoms similar to a cold, the virus can cause serious complications for infants, older Australians and those with underlying health conditions.
Under the National Immunisation Program, RSV vaccination has been available since 15 May 2026 for people aged 75 years and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over. Maternal RSV vaccination is also available to eligible pregnant women to help protect newborns during their first months of life.
The AMA is using RSV Awareness Week to promote its Have the Jab Chat campaign, which encourages Australians to seek advice from their regular GP about vaccination.
“Through our national Have the Jab Chat campaign we are encouraging people who aren’t sure about vaccines to have a conversation with their trusted GP,” Dr McMullen said.
“RSV Awareness Week is a good time to stop, check what protection is available, and have a chat with your GP about what vaccines you might need, including those that protect against flu and COVID-19.
“That conversation matters because vaccine advice is not one-size-fits-all. Your GP can explain what is recommended for you, including whether RSV vaccination should be part of your winter protection plan.”
Health authorities continue to recommend that eligible Australians discuss RSV vaccination with their healthcare provider as part of broader winter health planning, alongside protection against influenza and COVID-19.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
