On this page
- Key messages
- RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
- Vaccination for pregnant women
- Infant immunisation
- Important notes:
- Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation resources
- Authorised RSV immunisers in Victoria
- Adverse Events Following Immunisation
- RSV vaccine administration errors
- Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
- Ordering RSV vaccines and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
- Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Key messages
- The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) is available for pregnant women and eligible infants in 2026 for the prevention of RSV associated lower respiratory tract disease.
- The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available year-round under the National
- The Victorian Government-funded infant RSV immunisation program will run from mid-March to 30 September 2026.
- For clinical guidance refer to the RSV immunisation and the Respiratory syncytial of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
The RSV-MIPP aims to protect newborn and infants at increased risk from RSV and reduce RSV‑associated infections and hospitalisations.
The program offers RSV immunisation products for pregnant women, and eligible infants who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
Vaccination for pregnant women
The maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo®) is available all year-round under the National
- Abrysvo® is recommended for pregnant women between 28-36 weeks gestation but may be given after 36 weeks based upon clinical advice.
- Vaccination provides passive protection to newborns through transplacental antibody transfer, for up to 6 months.
- Pregnant women can receive Abrysvo® at the same time as (coadministered), or separate to, dTpa, influenza and COVID-19 vaccine.
- 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 mid-March to 30 September 2026. The program provides Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab), a long-acting monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and young children.
-
Newborn infants who meet one of the following criteria:
- born to mothers who did not receive maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
- born to mothers who received RSV vaccine less than 2 weeks before birth or
- have risk conditions for severe RSV disease as specified in the Australian , regardless of maternal vaccination.
Eligible infants should receive Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) prior to discharge from hospital.
-
Infants up to 8 months of age who meet one of the following criteria:
- born to mothers who did not receive maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or
- born to mothers who received RSV vaccine less than 2 weeks before birth, or
- have with risk conditions for severe RSV disease as specified in the Australian , regardless of maternal vaccination
- missed birth dose (if eligible).
-
Infants from 8 months up to 24 months of age who meet one of the following criteria: :
- Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander children
- Young children with conditions associated with increased risk of severe RSV disease (Australian ).
Important notes:
- RSV vaccines Abrysvo® and Arexvy® are not approved for administration in infants or children.
- Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) is the only product approved for use in infants and children.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation resources
- Fact sheet for health professionals - RSV vaccination in pregnancyFact sheet for health professionals - Abrysvo vaccine preparationRSV-MIPP Infant program – 2026 Toolkit for immunisation providersRSV-MIPP Infant program – Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) decision aid (birth dose)RSV-MIPP Infant program – Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) decision aid (all infants and young children) and young children)Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Infant immunisation checklist and consent formFact sheet for maternity Services – RSV-MIPP and birth dose Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care -Frequently asked questions and fact sheets for Health .
- Fact sheet for consumers - RSV vaccination in pregnancyFact sheet for consumers - RSV immunisation for infants and young children
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Maternal vaccinations consumer .
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Immunisation for .
- SKAI resources to support conversations about vaccination in pregnancy and for newborn .
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Frequently asked questions and consumer fact sheets.
-
Print and display these posters at your health service or hospital:
RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 1RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 2RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 3RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 4RSV vaccination for pregnant women - A3 poster, version 5 -
Webinar 1
Recording: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program, webinar 1 - 9 January
This webinar focused on the disease impact of RSV and clinical elements of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV- MIPP), covering both Abrysvo and Nirsevimab.
Presenters:
Professor Michelle Giles - Vaccine Research Group, Doherty Institute,
Presentation: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - Professor Michelle GilesProfessor Nigel Crawford - vaccinologist and Director of SAEFVIC (Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination In the Community).
Presentation: RSV monoclonal antibody state of play - Professor Nigel CrawfordWebinar 2
Recording: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program, webinar 2 - 22 January
Transcript: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - webinar 2The second webinar from the department on the RSV-MIPP program - clinical and logistics elements.
Catherine Radkowski was joined by Dr Michelle Giles and Dr. Nigel Crawford to discuss:- The importance of the RSV-MIPP and how Abrysvo® and nirsevimab will help protect infants against severe RSV disease and reduce hospitalisations for the coming winter season.
- Clinical and logistics elements of the program, including eligibility criteria, provider access and program start dates.
Presentation: Maternal and Infant RSV Protection Program - webinar 2
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.
Medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and authorised midwives can administer RSV immunisation products without the need for additional authorisation.
-
RSV immunisation products approved for use
- Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and children recommended for immunisation as listed in the infant immunisation section of this webpage (at the time of administration) and in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for nurse immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
-
RSV immunisation products approved for use
- Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for pharmacist immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
-
RSV immunisation products approved for use
- Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for intern pharmacist immunisers.
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
-
RSV immunisation products approved for use
- Arexvy (RSV PRE-F3) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Abrysvo® (RSV PRE-F) vaccine for RSV, as recommended in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants and children recommended for immunisation as listed in the infant immunisation section of this webpage (at the time of administration) and in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Training, conditions and exclusions
As specified in the Secretary Approval for ATSIHP immunisers
Additional training and competency requirements
No additional training requirements
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 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 .
Storage, handling and preparation of RSV vaccines and and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for
- 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 and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) monoclonal product information.
Ordering RSV vaccines and Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab)
Registered immunisation providers in Victoria can order via Onelink online.
Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab will be available to order from early March 2026.
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 webpage.
Reviewed 27 February 2026