NSW RSV vaccination program linked to significant reduction in infant hospitalisations

A New South Wales respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation program has been associated with a substantial reduction in RSV-related illness and hospitalisations among young infants, according to new research published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

The study found that RSV notifications and hospital admissions in infants younger than six months have fallen significantly following the introduction of the state’s RSV immunisation program. Initially launched in 2024 for infants at highest risk of severe disease, the program expanded in 2025 to include routine maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy.

NSW Health says the program has achieved more than 60% vaccination coverage among pregnant women and contributed to an estimated 40% reduction in the overall impact of RSV in young infants. Health authorities described the results as one of the most significant improvements seen from a vaccination program for newborns in recent years.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in infants, particularly those under six months of age. Infection can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, prolonged hospitalisation, admission to neonatal intensive care units and, in some cases, death.

NSW Health is encouraging pregnant women to discuss RSV vaccination with their maternity care provider to help protect their newborn during the first months of life, when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV disease.

Influenza reminder as winter continues

Alongside the encouraging RSV results, NSW Health is reminding people who have not yet received their seasonal influenza vaccine that it is not too late to be vaccinated.

Health officials have warned that influenza activity is continuing to increase across the state, with western and south-western Sydney experiencing a growing number of cases. They are urging older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and other eligible groups to receive their influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

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Read the full ABC News article: “RSV vaccination rates halve NSW hospitalisations, as influenza peak looms” by Danuta Kozaki: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-17/nsw-rsv-vaccination-hospitals-infants-winter-flu/106924544