Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that infects the airways and lungs, and it is hardest on young babies and older adults. There are two RSV vaccines with two different jobs: Abrysvo, given in pregnancy to protect the baby, and Arexvy or Abrysvo for older adults. NSW pharmacists can give both, so each dose can be given at Your Community Pharmacy. A single dose of each is all that is currently recommended.
RSV vaccine in pregnancy
Abrysvo is the only RSV vaccine approved for pregnant women. One dose is recommended in each pregnancy from 28 weeks, ideally by the end of 36 weeks. Antibodies cross the placenta and protect the baby for up to six months from birth, but a baby born less than two weeks after the dose may not be well protected. The pregnancy dose is free under the National Immunisation Program, and the NSW pharmacist rules allow a pharmacist to give it.
Babies whose mothers were not vaccinated, or who have extra risk factors, can receive the antibody nirsevimab (Beyfortus) through state programs. That is given to the baby, not at the pharmacy, so ask your midwife or doctor. Pregnant women can have the whooping cough vaccine and the flu vaccine too.
RSV vaccination for older adults
The immunisation handbook recommends a single dose for:
- all adults aged 75 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from 60
- anyone 60 or older with medical risk factors for severe RSV
Adults aged 60 to 74 without a risk factor can consider a dose, though the benefit may be smaller.
Who gets a free RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine Arexvy is free for adults aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over. Abrysvo is free in pregnancy. There is no funded vaccine for people aged 60 to 74 with medical risk conditions, so they pay for it. Under the NSW pharmacist table, a private dose can be given from age 50 for Arexvy and age 60 for Abrysvo. Your pharmacist can tell you whether you qualify for a free dose and what a private one costs.
What happens at the pharmacy
- Come in any time during opening hours, without booking.
- Have photo ID, your Medicare card if you have one, and any vaccine records with you; if you are pregnant, know your due date.
- After the injection the pharmacist enters the dose on the Australian Immunisation Register.
- Stay for at least 15 minutes before heading off.
Older adults can combine an RSV dose with a COVID-19 vaccine, a flu vaccine or the shingles vaccine at one visit, although sore arms and other mild reactions are a little more likely when vaccines are combined. Every vaccine we give is listed under walk-in vaccinations.
After an RSV vaccine
Pain and redness at the injection site, tiredness, headache and muscle aches are the common reactions, and they normally last only a couple of days. Call triple zero (000) for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling or difficulty breathing. For more on what is normal, healthdirect has a guide to immunisation side effects.
Common questions
Do I need an RSV vaccine every year?
No. One dose is recommended for now; protection lasts at least two years, and advice on further doses will follow when there is evidence.
Can my baby have the RSV vaccine at the pharmacy?
No. RSV vaccines are not given to infants. Babies are protected through the pregnancy dose or the nirsevimab antibody arranged through your doctor or hospital.
I am 68 and healthy. Should I have it?
You can consider a private dose. The pharmacist can talk through the benefit for your age and any health conditions, and the cost.
Where can I read more about the pharmacy?
Our FAQs and health services pages cover the basics.