RSV immunisation prevents over 1,000 baby hospitalisations in Queensland
02 Sep 2025
The Queensland Paediatric RSV Prevention Program has already immunised over 67,000 Queenslanders, including babies and pregnant women, up to 18 August 2025.
Data shows:
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From 15 April to 31 December 2024, 438 babies were hospitalised with RSV – a 48% reduction compared to the same period in 2023.
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From 1 January to 17 August 2025, 227 babies were hospitalised, a 73% reduction compared to 2023.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said these results are “incredible” and highlighted how immunisation helps reduce hospital visits for some of the state’s most vulnerable children, while easing pressure on hospitals.
Free RSV vaccination is available:
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During pregnancy (28–36 weeks) through the National Immunisation Program, which passes antibodies to the baby to protect them for the first six months of life.
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After birth for newborns who were not vaccinated during pregnancy, funded by the Queensland Government.
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Children up to 8 months, or up to 2 years if they have conditions increasing RSV risk.
For more information, eligible Queenslanders can contact their GP, midwife, pharmacist, or other immunisation providers, or visit the Queensland Health website. Weekly updates on RSV and other respiratory illnesses are available on the Queensland Health Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance website.
Source: Queensland Health
