One of Queensland’s newest immunisation programs is helping prevent hundreds of Queensland babies from a hospital stay this year, due to a common, but potentially serious illness.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in infants and young children, and almost all children experience at least one RSV infection within the first two years of life.
Since the Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program was introduced in April 2024, more than 57,000 Queenslanders have been immunised (up to 8 June 2025) against RSV.
The latest Queensland Health data shows that between 1 January and 8 June 2025, the number of babies aged six months and under hospitalised for RSV has decreased by 75 per cent (420 hospitalisations) compared to the same period in 2023 - before the free RSV immunisation became available.
Immunisation against RSV helps prevent serious illness from RSV and reduces the risk of hospitalisation.
This year in Queensland (as at 8 June 2025):
- More than 14,600 RSV cases have been recorded, including;
- 38 per cent of cases (5,538) aged two years and under.
- 3 per cent of cases (457) aged under six months.
- More than 1,720 people have been hospitalised for RSV, including;
- 48 per cent (829) aged two years and under.
- eight per cent (142) aged under six months.
The RSV Prevention Program was introduced by the Queensland Government in April 2024, initially for newborns and babies and expanding to a vaccine given in pregnancy in December 2024. The maternal vaccine was funded initially by the Queensland Government, before being Commonwealth funded as part of the National Immunisation Program from February 2025.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said declining hospitalisation numbers were encouraging and demonstrated the benefits of immunisation.
“Since the RSV immunisation program began in Queensland, hospitalisation figures for babies have been steadily decreasing across the state,” Dr Carroll said.
“In the first eight months of the free immunisation program, hospitalisations of babies six months and under with RSV almost halved (48 per cent or 406 hospitalisations) compared to the same period in 2023.
“It’s wonderful news that hospitalisations for young infants have reduced by 75 per cent this year given we are now heading into the winter months when RSV cases and hospitalisations often increase.”
Among Hospital and Health Services (HHS), the biggest decline has been seen this year in the Metro North and Metro South HHS regions, which have collectively seen an 83 per cent decrease in hospitalisations among children under six months this year compared to 2023.
Dr Carroll said the decrease in hospitalisations was attributed directly to the RSV prevention program, with other states and territories seeing similar results.
“As more people get immunised – the fewer hospitalisations we will see,” she said.
“A hospital admission can be disruptive and traumatic for a child and their family, as very sick children may require oxygen, intravenous fluids, or intensive care.
“That’s why these early results from the RSV immunisation program are so encouraging. Four hundred and twenty fewer babies in hospital so far this year are not just numbers – they represent real families spared from a distressing and often avoidable experience.”
Dr Carroll reminded Queenslanders that RSV cases have the potential to rise considerably as we head into the winter months.
“Winter is here and cases of RSV, flu and COVID are all starting to rise like they do every year,” she said.
“All Queenslanders are reminded to keep up to date with recommended vaccinations particularly against common winter respiratory illnesses as the cooler months begin.
“Currently, we are recording between 800 to 900 RSV cases each week across the state,” she said.
Background information
Immunisation is the best way to protect young children from RSV.
Free immunisation is available during pregnancy between 28 and 36 weeks as part of the National Immunisation Program (Commonwealth funded). The Abrysvo vaccine transfers antibodies across the placenta, protecting babies from birth to 6 months. For the vaccine to be effective, it must be administered at least 14 days before giving birth.
If vaccination did not occur during pregnancy, babies can be immunised for free against RSV after birth, with newborn babies able to be immunised in hospital before they go home.
They can also have it at the same time as other routine immunisations in the weeks after birth.
Children can be immunised against RSV up until eight months of age, or up to two years if they have a complex medical condition.
States and territories, including the Queensland Government, provide the RSV immunisation product nirsevimab (a long acting monolonal antibody) for free to eligible infants and children.
For more information, eligible Queenslanders can talk to their GP, midwife, other immunisation provider, or visit the Queensland Health website.
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