RSV vaccine now free for more older Australians
20 Apr 2026
The change is part of a $445 million government funding plan over five years, welcomed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners as a positive step forward.
The vaccine, Arexvy, will be added to the National Immunisation Program. It will be free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, and all other Australians aged 75 and over.
It will be available through GPs, immunisation clinics, community health services, Aboriginal health services, and participating pharmacies.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the vaccine is another important step in protecting older Australians ahead of winter.
RACGP President Michael Wright called the move “good progress”, saying it will help protect people most at risk, including older Australians and newborn babies.
However, doctors say people aged over 60 with serious health conditions are still missing out, as they must currently pay about $300 if they are not eligible for free access.
Experts from the RACGP say expanding free access to more at-risk groups would better match clinical advice and improve fairness in healthcare.
Health data shows more than 16,000 Australians aged 75 and over were diagnosed with RSV in 2024, with higher death rates in older adults compared to young children.
Doctors say RSV can lead to serious complications in aged care residents, including hospitalisation and rapid health decline.
GPs will play a key role in delivering the vaccine, helping patients time it safely alongside other routine immunisations like flu, COVID, and shingles.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: RACGP / Australian Government health announcement