The Australian Government has announced an expansion of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) protection, with the inclusion of the RSV vaccine Arexvy on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible older adults.
From 15 May 2026, a single free dose of Arexvy will be available for adults aged 75 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over – aiming to reduce the burden of severe RSV illness and prevent hospitalisations among these at-risk groups.
The initiative builds on the national RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP), introduced in February 2025, which offers free RSV maternal vaccine (Abrysvo) at each pregnancy from 28 weeks’ gestation to protect newborns during their first months of life.
In parallel, all state- and territory-funded infant RSV programs continue to provide free access to the long acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for eligible infants.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a suite of RSV resources for providers and the public with information on the changes, including:
