SA’s free RSV immunisation program sees dramatic drop in infant hospitalisations this winter

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South Australian babies are experiencing a safer winter this year thanks to the SA Government’s rollout of a free RSV immunisation program. The initiative, which launched earlier in the year in partnership with the Albanese Government, has already delivered strong results, with a sharp decline in infections and hospitalisations among the state’s youngest residents.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common winter illness that can be particularly dangerous for infants, affecting their ability to breathe, feed and maintain oxygen levels. In serious cases, it can result in extended hospital stays and weeks of recovery. To combat this, the new program provides free RSV vaccination for pregnant women and a monoclonal antibody treatment for babies and young children most at risk.

Since the launch, more than 70 per cent of eligible pregnant women in South Australia have received the vaccine, while more than 3,400 infants have been administered the monoclonal antibody. The uptake has already translated into significant improvements. RSV infections in babies under one year of age have fallen by almost 50 per cent compared to last year. Hospitalisations have also dropped from 18 per cent in 2024 to just nine per cent in 2025, giving families peace of mind during the colder months.

Health Minister Chris Picton said the results show the program is making a tangible difference. “RSV can be very dangerous for babies. It’s fantastic that our immunisation program is helping to protect them. There’s been an excellent uptake of the program, with a significant reduction in infections and hospitalisations of babies. Nobody wants to see their baby struggle to breathe, which is why we want to ensure all eligible infants receive protection against RSV infection,” he said.

Analysis of hospital admissions has also highlighted the effectiveness of the program. Of the 79 infants under one who were admitted this year with RSV, the majority had not yet been protected by immunisation.

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier praised families for their strong participation. “I am very pleased to see the strong uptake of the RSV Maternal and Infant Protection Program by South Australian families making a very real difference to the lives of young infants and their families. The maternal vaccine allows protective antibodies made by mothers to pass through to babies prior to birth, ensuring their little ones are protected against RSV at a time they’re most vulnerable – from birth and through their first winter season. Importantly, for the mums who haven’t had the option of being vaccinated against RSV, we have the monoclonal antibody available as a back-up – which helps ensure that all South Australian newborns can stay safe against the effects of RSV infection.”

The program began in February with maternal vaccination, funded by the Federal Government, followed in April by the State-funded infant monoclonal antibody component. Together, they ensure that both newborns and children up to two years with higher health risks are covered.

Available through GPs, public hospitals, pharmacies, local councils, Aboriginal health services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the program is widely accessible to families across the state. A full evaluation of its effectiveness and rollout is planned, but early results suggest it is already achieving its goal: keeping South Australian babies safe.