The availability of free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination for older adults is a powerful addition to Australia\u2019s arsenal against infectious diseases and has been warmly embraced by the community and healthcare professionals alike.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On 15 May, the\u00a0Australian Government commenced free RSV vaccination<\/a> for people aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. This posed a major implementation challenge just two weeks before winter.<\/p>\n Remarkably, more than 700,000 older adults<\/a> received the free vaccine in just two months \u2014 a tremendous achievement by healthcare professionals and a testament to the strength of Australia\u2019s immunisation infrastructure.<\/p>\n Although RSV often presents like a\u00a0common cold<\/a>, it can have devastating consequences for older adults, who are at heightened risk of severe illness requiring hospital admission.\u00a0<\/p>\n Respiratory complications such as\u00a0pneumonia<\/a> are only part of the picture, with RSV also capable of\u00a0exacerbating existing conditions<\/a> such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Severe cases among older adults have also been associated with long-term\u00a0deterioration<\/a> in physical and cognitive health.<\/p>\n RSV vaccination works.\u00a0Clinical trials<\/a> have shown a 94% reduction in severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease among older adults, with real-world evidence demonstrating an 83% reduction in RSV-related hospital admissions among adults 60 years and over.\u00a0<\/p>\n Survey reveals need for greater awareness<\/p>\n While early uptake figures are encouraging, considerable work remains. By mid-winter, the\u00a0Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) found<\/a> that more than a million eligible older Australians had received their annual vaccine for influenza, but not for RSV. This was despite Australia recording more confirmed cases of RSV than either influenza or COVID-19 at the time.<\/p>\n The timing of the program\u2019s launch (just two weeks before winter) was likely the most significant impediment to uptake, however limited awareness of RSV also appears to be a key factor, as reflected in an IFA survey of older Australians.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shortly prior to the commencement of the RSV immunisation program, the IFA polled more than 1,000 adults eligible for the free vaccine about their knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviours relating to RSV protection.<\/p>\n The findings of our nationwide survey revealed a community that overwhelmingly supports vaccination but needs more information about RSV.\u00a0<\/p>\n 86% of respondents supported using vaccines to protect against serious illness. However, among the third who remained undecided about RSV vaccination specifically, the number one reason was the need for more information (47% of respondents).<\/p>\n Of those who were undecided, 76% had either never heard of RSV or knew little about it, while 57% did not know that a free vaccine was available to them.<\/p>\n The survey findings underscore the importance of conversations with immunisation providers. One-third of respondents said a healthcare professional\u2019s recommendation would motivate them to be vaccinated against RSV.\u00a0<\/p>\n Other knowledge gaps were also evident. While 63% of respondents considered RSV vaccination to be \u201cas important as influenza vaccination\u201d, just as many were unsure whether the two vaccines could be administered at the same time.<\/p>\n The survey also explored financial barriers, as people now eligible for free vaccination previously had to pay around $300 for the RSV vaccine. Among the 96% of respondents who had not paid privately, lack of awareness was more commonly cited than cost \u2014 63% said they did not know about the RSV vaccine, while 25% had considered it too expensive.<\/p>\n These findings reflect respondents\u2019 recollections and intentions rather than verified clinical discussions or subsequent vaccination behaviour. Nevertheless, they identify clear opportunities to improve awareness and support informed decision-making.<\/p>\n GPs on the frontline of RSV protection\u00a0<\/p>\n Survey findings confirm that general practitioners have a key role to play in supporting RSV vaccination uptake among older adults, particularly by engaging Australians who remain undecided.<\/p>\n According to\u00a0Australian Immunisation Register\u00a0data<\/a>, 82% of older adults protected against RSV received their vaccine in general practice, placing GPs firmly at the centre of efforts to provide evidence-based information about RSV vaccine safety, effectiveness and eligibility. In addition to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the\u00a0AusVaxSafety database<\/a> provides updates on older adult RSV vaccination safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n Protection from RSV vaccination lasts at least two years and official re-vaccination advice will follow as data emerge. In the meantime and given how many older adults are unsure whether the RSV and influenza vaccines can be given at the same time, co-administration is recommended.\u00a0While the Immunisation Handbook notes the possibility of\u00a0more reactions being reported when the two vaccines are given together<\/a>, convenience is noted as a practical advantage.<\/p>\n GPs may also discuss RSV with adults over 60 years of age who are not eligible for a free vaccine, particularly those with medical conditions that place them at increased risk of severe illness. Although the cost of private vaccination may be prohibitive for some, our research suggests that lack of awareness is a greater barrier, so these conversations are still important.<\/p>\n In parallel, the IFA will continue to advocate for more affordable access to RSV protection for older adults at increased risk of severe illness.<\/p>\n Thank you to all healthcare professionals for their efforts to protect our most vulnerable from vaccine-preventable disease, including RSV. Your positive, open and honest discussions about the importance of immunisation make an enormous difference.<\/p>\n One conversation at a time, we can build on the early success of Australia\u2019s RSV vaccination program to protect even more older adults.<\/p>\n Catherine Hughes AM is the Founder and Executive Director of the\u00a0Immunisation Foundation of Australia<\/a>. The IFA was established after the death of Catherine\u2019s infant son from whooping cough in 2015 and continues to advocate for the prevention of all vaccine-preventable diseases.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Immunisation Foundation of Australia has received unrestricted educational grants from GSK, Pfizer and Sanofi that have supported its\u00a0Unite Against RSV<\/a> campaign, under which the survey discussed in this article was conducted. The IFA retains editorial control over all campaign materials and no funder had input to or involvement in this article.<\/p>\n The statements or opinions expressed in this article reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the AMA, the\u00a0MJA\u00a0or\u00a0InSight+\u00a0unless so stated.\u00a0<\/p>\n Subscribe to the free\u00a0InSight+\u00a0weekly newsletter\u00a0here<\/a>. It is available to all readers, not just registered medical practitioners.\u00a0<\/p>\n