According to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) mid-winter report, 83,678 RSV cases have been recorded so far in 2026, compared with 51,655 COVID-19 cases and 49,785 influenza cases. RSV now accounts for 45% of notifications among the three major respiratory viruses, representing a 25% increase compared with the same period last year.

Since the beginning of winter, more than 37,000 additional RSV cases have been reported, with children under five making up 46% of confirmed infections. The IFA expects total RSV cases to exceed 127,000 by the end of the season.

Immunisation Coalition Chair Dr Rodney Pearce said limited public awareness and the cost of vaccination for people not covered by the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are affecting vaccine uptake.

He said many patients are unfamiliar with RSV or question whether they need another vaccine, while others decide against vaccination after learning it can cost around $300 if they are not eligible for a free dose.

Under the NIP, free RSV immunisation is available for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, adults aged 75 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over, eligible adults with medical risk factors, and eligible infants through national and state-funded programs.

The IFA also reported a significant vaccination gap among older Australians. While 1.76 million people aged 75 years and over received a flu vaccine, only 722,530 received the free RSV vaccine. Many older adults were also unaware that the RSV and influenza vaccines can be given at the same appointment.

The infant RSV immunisation program has shown encouraging results, with more than 119,000 infants protected so far in 2026. Since the national program began in 2025, more than 360,000 babies have been immunised, contributing to a nearly 50% reduction in RSV-related hospital admissions among newborns.

Dr Pearce said the success of the vaccination program highlights the important role GPs play in raising awareness of RSV, explaining vaccine eligibility and encouraging eligible patients to protect themselves against the virus.

RSV becomes Australia's most reported respiratory virus this winter

Source: newsGP | Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA)