This tool is designed to help current and future parents and caregivers as well as health care providers.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the airways and lungs. RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (a chest infection) in babies and young children. RSV has also been associated with wheeze and asthma in later childhood. RSV is now the most common cause of pneumonia in babies and young children, and it is one of the most common reasons babies and young children are admitted to hospital.
Two different immunisation prevention measures are now available to protect babies and young children from serious RSV infections. These are:
- Maternal vaccination (called Abrysvo) - a vaccine given to a woman during pregnancy so she can develop and pass on protective antibodies to the baby from birth. The antibodies will provide protection to the baby for the first 5-6 months after birth.
- Infant immunisation (called Beyfortus or nirsevimab) - ready-made antibodies that offer same-day protection against severe RSV infection. One injection offers protection for infants for 5-6 months
See more information on these preventive strategies.
The RSV Immunisation Guidance Tool will provide you with the best option for RSV immunisation based on your answers to the following below questions.
This Guidance Tool was developed by researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia as part of the STAMP-RSV Program. More information about the STAMP-RSV Program can be found here: The STAMP RSV Program.
The Immunisation recommendations were formed in collaboration with colleagues from WA Health, and the tool was co-designed by members of the RSV+ Community Reference Group. For more information or feedback on the tool, please contact the STAMP-RSV Investigator Team at STAMP_RSV@thekids.org.au.
For further guidance on RSV immunisations it is recommended that you speak with your trusted health professional such as your General Practice, Midwife, Aboriginal Medical Service, Community Health immunisation clinic and Pharmacy (for Abrysvo only). For further details, see here: 2025 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program.
Last updated 07 April 2025.