RSV virus can cause severe illness

As RSV Awareness Week draws to a close, the Australian Medical Association is urging Australians to speak with their GP about vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus.

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was not just a winter nuisance but could cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

“This week is an important reminder not to be complacent about a virus that can have serious consequences,” Dr McMullen said. “Too many people still think RSV is just a bad cold, but for some Australians it can be far more serious than that.”

Dr McMullen said there were now funded vaccines for people who needed protection most, with the federal government this year adding the vaccine to the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 years and older. Last year, the maternal vaccine was added to the program.”

Dr McMullen said the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing illness was very evident.

“More than 225,000 mothers have received the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies from serious illness since the vaccines were first made available in February last year. This has resulted in a drop of more than 9 per cent in RSV cases for young children from 86,000 in 2024 to 78,000 in 2025.”

Dr McMullen encouraged people who had concerns or questions about vaccines to speak with their regular GP.

“Through our national Have the Jab Chat campaign we are encouraging people who aren’t sure about vaccines to have a conversation with their trusted GP,” Dr McMullen said.

“[It’s] a good time to stop, check what protection is available, and have a chat with your GP about what vaccines you might need, including those that protect against flu and COVID-19.

“That conversation matters because vaccine advice is not one-size-fits-all. Your GP can explain what is recommended for you, including whether RSV vaccination should be part of your winter protection plan.”