IPSWICH families are among thousands across Australia benefiting from a new national immunisation program that has helped protect nearly 140,000 babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter.
The Immunisation Foundation of Australia says the rollout of the RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program has delivered a 30 per cent reduction in hospital admissions for babies under six months and a 33 per cent drop in intensive care cases compared to last winter.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalisation for children under five and sends around 12,000 babies aged under 12 months to hospital each year. The virus can lead to serious lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and in some cases requires intensive care.
Ipswich mums say the program has brought peace of mind during a season when RSV is circulating widely.
Racheal Martin, from Springfield Lakes, who gave birth in July, said the protection made a big difference.
“When my first baby caught RSV two years ago, it was terrifying – she spent four days in hospital struggling to breathe,” she said. “This time, I didn’t want to take any chances. Knowing my newborn had protection was such a relief.”
Jessica Lane, from Goodna, chose to receive the maternal RSV vaccine in her third trimester.
“I’d seen so many stories in local mums’ groups about babies getting really sick with RSV. When my midwife told me about the vaccine, I didn’t hesitate.”
The program offers two options free of charge: a maternal RSV Vaccine given to pregnant women so antibodies are passed to their baby before birth or an infant RSV Immunisation, a single-dose injection that provides protection for up to six months.
So far, 102,000 pregnant women have received the vaccine during pregnancy, while an additional 36,000 babies have been immunised after birth.
However, the Immunisation Foundation says more education is needed to improve awareness and access.
