Key messages
- The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) is available for pregnant women and eligible infants in 2025 for the prevention of RSV associated lower respiratory tract disease.
- The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available year-round under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- The Victorian Government-funded infant RSV immunisation program runs from 1 April to 30 September 2025.
- Refer to the RSV immunisation resources and the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook for all clinical guidance.
RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program
A nationally consistent immunisation program has been introduced in 2025 to protect infants from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The RSV-MIPP offers immunisation products to pregnant women, and infants at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
Vaccination for pregnant women
The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available year-round under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- Recommended for pregnant women at 28-36 weeks gestation but may be given after 36 weeks based upon clinical advice.
- Provides passive protection to newborns through transplacental antibody transfer, for up to 6 months.
- Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnancy.
- Abrysvo vaccine is not approved for use in infants and children.
Infant immunisation
The Victorian Government-funded infant RSV immunisation program will run from 1 April to 30 September 2025. The program provides Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), a long-acting monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and young children.
- Infant program ends on 30 September 2025.
- Stock must be retained for use in the 2026 RSV season. Do not discard leftover doses.
Note - RSV vaccines Abrysvo® and Arexvy® are not approved for administration in infants and children. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) is the only product approved for use in infants and children.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation resources
Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria
Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and authorised midwives can administer RSV immunisation products without the need for additional authorisation.
Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health practitioner immunisers in Victoria are authorised to possess and administer Schedule 4 poisons via Secretary Approvals made under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017. The Secretary Approvals specify the immunisation products they are authorised to administer and the conditions of the approval.
The RSV immunisation products these immunisers are authorised to possess and administer is listed below.
Immunisers must always refer to their relevant Secretary Approval for the conditions associated with administration of the approved RSV immunisation products.
All immunisers must maintain competence and operate within their individual scope of practice by ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and currency of practice for all immunisations that they provide.
Adverse Events Following Immunisation
Immunisation providers should report any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook to find out more about common and rare AEFI of RSV vaccines.
Unexpected or serious AEFI, including vaccine administration errors, should be reported to SAEFVIC, Victoria’s safety surveillance partner. Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.
RSV vaccine administration errors
Learn how to avoid vaccine errors and establish practices that can identify report and manager vaccine errors. Refer to Vaccine error management.
Refer to NCIRS clinical guidance on RSV immunisation product administration errors.
Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5'
- Store RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in the original package to protect the product from light.
- Abrysvo® vaccine must be reconstituted prior to administration. Special instructions are provided for the diluent and vial adaptor required for Abrysvo® vaccine.
Refer to Abrysvo® RSV vaccine and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) monoclonal antibody product information.
Ordering RSV vaccines and nirsevimab
Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can order Abrysvo® RSV vaccine via Onelink online.
Refer to ordering vaccines for details on how to order vaccines through Onelink Online.
Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
It is mandatory to report all NIP immunisations, including Abrysvo® to the AIR. Additionally, providers are strongly encouraged to record all Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) immunisations given on the AIR.
Please refer to the Uploading to AIR factsheet for full details.
Further information can be found at the Using the Australian Immunisation Register webpage.
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