Achi news desk-
Queensland babies will be able to take part in the state’s free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization programme.
The 12-month program will be offered to more than 70,000 newborns, eligible infants and young children from April.
The free immunization program will help prevent the spread of the virus, which is the most common cause of hospitalization among infants and young children.
Around 7000 cases of RSV have already been recorded in Queensland in 2024, which is double the number of cases in 2023 between the same period, January 1 to March 21.
More than 2100 of the cases recorded so far this year are among children under the age of two.
Queensland’s acting chief health officer, Catherine McDougall, said the immunization program was an important step to protect children before winter.
“We know that RSV is widespread across Queensland and occurs throughout the year, with peaks usually occurring in the autumn and winter months,” Dr McDougall said.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a steady increase in RSV cases across all age groups, with 659 cases recorded a month ago, and 872 cases in the week commencing March 11, 2024.
“Similar immunization programs to protect against RSV have been introduced in Europe and the United States of America, and these have shown a significant reduction in RSV-related hospital admissions among high-risk infants and young children.”
Dr McDougall said RSV immunization was a “safe and effective way” to reduce severe RSV disease in infants and young children.
“This immunization program is an important step towards reducing the risk associated with RSV and keeping more children safe,” he said.
“I encourage all parents of eligible children to take the opportunity to protect their child from RSV as the immunization becomes available.”
Premier Steven Miles said the sunshine state was joining WA and NSW in offering the free immunization programme.
“I can remember how scary it is when your baby is sick,” she said.
“Giving the littlest Queenslanders free RSV immunization will help give them the best start in life.”
Queensland RACGP Chair Cathryn Hester said the immunization program was a game changer for Queensland families.
“This RSV immunization program will save lives,” he said.
“Babies aged six months and under are the most likely to develop serious symptoms including lung infections which can lead to hospitalization.
“Even if they come out of hospital with a clean bill of health, it’s a very traumatic experience for any family to go through.
“Some families may not realize that RSV is the main cause of hospitalization for children aged five and under.
“Unfortunately, in Queensland unlike other states and territories, we have outbreaks of this virus throughout the year as we do not have predictable seasons.
“So this only adds to the challenge, and makes today’s announcement even more welcome.”
The program will use the monoclonal antibody product nirsevimab – also known as Beyfortus – which was approved by the Ministry of Good Therapeutics in November 2023 for use in infants and young children.
Eligible infants and young children include:
- All newborns will be offered a dose at birth or before discharge from hospital
- Babies born on or after the program start date, who have not been immunized in hospital, can receive this dose until they are less than eight months old.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants less than eight months of age
- Babies with certain complex medical conditions less than eight months old
- Infants with certain complex medical conditions aged eight months up to and including 19 months, until October 31, 2024
The announcement comes as the NSW government also confirmed it would offer the same immunization program to eligible babies.
Meanwhile, the WA government confirmed in March that all babies would be eligible for the vaccine.
