Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program

The Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program expanded on 1 December 2024. This expanded program provides free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation during pregnancy and to eligible infants and young children living in Queensland.

Those wishing to access RSV immunisation are encouraged to contact their preferred immunisation provider to discuss eligibility and book an appointment ahead of time.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with almost all children experiencing at least one RSV infection within the first 2 years of life.

RSV can have a significant impact on infants and young children, as well as their families. This program is focused on protecting infants from birth, as well as those at highest risk of severe disease in the first months of life.

The program

The following immunisation products are available in Queensland under program:

  • Abrysvo®, an RSV vaccine that is recommended for administration between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants against severe RSV disease from birth for up to 6 months.
  • Nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus®), a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides infants and young children protection against severe RSV disease for at least 5 months from administration.

Both products have been determined by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be safe and effective and are approved for use in Australia.

Eligible groups

Eligibility for this program is not linked to Medicare status.

Under the program the following people living in Queensland are eligible:

Abrysvo RSV vaccine

A single dose of Abrysvo is recommended during pregnancy between 28 and 36 weeks gestation.

  • This dose should be offered year-round (non-seasonally).
  • Abrysvo is the only vaccine approved for use in pregnancy. Do not use other brands of RSV vaccine.
  • This dose should be administered at least 14 days before delivery to ensure protection for the infant at time of birth.
  • If Abrysvo is not administered before 36 weeks gestation it should be given as soon as possible, and remains funded under this program.
  • Some newborn infants may still be eligible for nirsevimab, see below.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) RSV Immunisation Product

Infants from birth# to less than 8 months of age are recommended to receive a dose of nirsevimab if they meet one of the listed eligibility criteria.

  • Recommended for all infants where:
    • the infant is not protected by Abrysvo from birth. This may include:
      1. Abrysvo was not administered during pregnancy,or
      2. Infant was delivered within 14 days of Abrysvo administration, or
      3. where Abrysvo immunisation status is unknown, or
    • the infant has a condition associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease*, or
    • the infant may have suboptimal RSV antibodies#.
  • This dose should be offered year-round (non-seasonally).
  • This dose should be offered prior to discharge from the birthing hospital. Eligible infants not immunised in hospital can access nirsevimab through primary care immunisation providers.
  • Once an infant reaches 8 months of age, they will no longer be eligible for this dose.

Infants and young children with a condition associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease* from 8 months to less than 24 months of age, ahead of their second RSV season.

  • Infants or young children with a condition associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease* are eligible for this dose.
  • This dose should be given regardless of maternal RSV vaccination status and at least 6 months from a previous dose of nirsevimab (note that some infants and young children will be eligible for more than one dose of nirsevimab under this program).
  • Immunisation providers are encouraged to consider the timing of this dose to ensure that the duration and level of protection are maximised over the peak months of the infant or child’s 2nd RSV season. 
  • Once an infant reaches 24 months of age, they will no longer be eligible for this dose.

#see appendix 3 of clinical guidance for nirsevimab decision support flow chart

*see appendix 2 of clinical guidance for list of conditions associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease

Refer to the Queensland Paediatric RSV Prevention Program Clinical Guidance (PDF 915 kB) for a list of conditions associated with increased risks of severe RSV diseases in infants and young children.

This program is intended to be delivered non-seasonally (year-round). Providers may use their clinical discretion when administering nirsevimab to infants and young children with a condition associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease* from 8 months to less than 24 months of age, ahead of their second RSV season.

Clinical guidance for immunisation providers

Queensland Paediatric RSV Prevention Program Clinical Guidance (PDF 915 kB) has been developed to support providers who administer RSV prevention products in Queensland.

More information can also be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Consent form and consumer information

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Nirsevimab Immunisation Consent form (PDF 200 kB) is available for immunisation providers to print and use when consenting parents or legal guardians for nirsevimab administration.

The fact sheets below contain information to assist in making an informed decision to consent for nirsevimab and Abrysvo administration.

For more information, refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook

Where to access RSV immunisation

Nirsevimab and Abrysvo are available to access through Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) registered providers. Nirsevimab is also available at all Queensland birthing facilities (public and private).

Providers offering RSV immunisation includes most General Practices, some community pharmacies, some maternity and antenatal health services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services and community immunisation clinics.

As not all providers offer RSV immunisation, those wishing to access RSV immunisation are encouraged to contact their preferred immunisation provider to discuss eligibility and book an appointment ahead of time..

Ordering for providers

Immunisation providers can order stock of Abrysvo and nirsevimab from QHIP as part of their routine immunisation orders.

For more information visit our order, store and manage immunisations webpage.

Provider toolkits

Immunisation Service Provider Toolkit (PDF 2955 kB)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services Toolkit (PDF 1475 kB)

Last updated: 16 January 2025