Older Australians Showing Strong Interest in Free RSV Vaccine
10 Jun 2026
A survey by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) of 1,011 Australians aged 75 and over found that only 7% had decided not to receive the RSV vaccine. Around 60% had already been vaccinated or intended to get the vaccine, while others were still looking for more information before making a decision.
The survey also showed that awareness of RSV remains low. About 76% of respondents said they either had not heard of RSV or knew very little about it. More than half were unaware that a free RSV vaccine is now available through the NIP.
Before the vaccine was funded, only 4% of survey participants had paid for it themselves. Many said they did not know it was available privately, while others felt the cost was too high.
According to respiratory medicine expert Dr Kerry Hancock, many older Australians still think RSV mainly affects young children and are unaware that it can also cause serious illness in older adults.
Dr Hancock believes the free vaccine will help increase uptake, particularly among people aged 75 and over who are often living on fixed incomes. She said the vaccine is expected to provide protection for two to three years and could help reduce RSV-related illness and hospital admissions.
The Arexvy RSV vaccine became available for Australians aged 75 and over through the NIP in May. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible from age 60.
Data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System shows there have been 6,738 RSV cases reported in Australians aged 75 years and older so far this year.
Older Australians Showing Strong Interest in Free RSV Vaccine
Source: RACGP newsGP
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