Experts support national funding recommendation for infant RSV protection
19 Oct 2026
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended nirsevimab, sold under the brand name Beyfortus, for infants and children up to two years of age. The treatment could help protect babies who may not receive enough protection through the National RSV Mother and Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP).
This includes babies born within two weeks of their mother receiving the Abrysvo RSV vaccine. The PBAC also identified potential benefits for infants at greater risk of severe RSV illness, including during their first RSV season despite maternal vaccination, and for eligible children during their second RSV season.
Dr Tim Jones, Chair of the RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health, welcomed national consideration of the treatment. RSV is one of the main reasons children under two are admitted to hospital.
He said many babies miss out on maternal RSV vaccination and that nirsevimab could offer another way to help protect them from severe illness and hospitalisation.
Dr Jones also welcomed the reduction in RSV cases associated with maternal vaccination and state-funded nirsevimab programs. However, he said a national approach could make access more consistent for families and GPs.
Nirsevimab is currently provided through state and territory-funded programs, with availability varying across Australia. Eligibility rules differ between jurisdictions, and some do not fund the treatment.
Dr Jones said a standardised approach would help address these differences and improve access to protection against a common childhood illness. Nirsevimab provides passive immunity, offering temporary protection against RSV.
Experts highlight rollout and supply concerns
Changes to legislation governing the NIP in April expanded the definition of a vaccine to include passive immunisation approaches, such as nirsevimab, which is a monoclonal antibody. This change paved the way for the PBAC recommendation.
Dr Rod Pearce, a GP and Chair of the Immunisation Coalition, described the recommendation as appropriate. However, he raised concerns about possible supply delays, referring to recent issues affecting the rollout of Shingrix and pneumococcal vaccines.
He said the way vaccines are distributed to healthcare providers can vary, potentially affecting how reliably practices receive supplies.
Dr Pearce said the Federal Government would need to act to ensure nirsevimab could be included in the NIP by February 2027, ahead of the next RSV season.
He said that, following a positive PBAC recommendation, implementation should occur as soon as possible to help ensure protection is available when it is most needed.
Experts support national funding recommendation for infant RSV protection
Source: RACGP newsGP, reporting on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee’s September 2026 recommendations.