RSV Vaccination Programs Reduce Hospital Burden and Costly Treatments in Australia
Australia's RSV vaccination program has significantly lowered hospitalization rates in infants, saving millions in healthcare costs and marking a major step forward in disease prevention.
The implementation of a statewide immunization program targeting infants against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has shown remarkable success in Australia. Since the program's launch in 2024, it has led to a 57% reduction in RSV-related hospitalizations in Western Australia alone, resulting in healthcare savings estimated between $6.2 million and $6.9 million. This initiative is considered a groundbreaking advancement in preventive healthcare for RSV.
Australia has embraced a comprehensive approach to RSV prevention, including the introduction of long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for infants and maternal vaccination with Abrysvo, registered in late 2023 and early 2024 respectively. These interventions are particularly significant since RSV is a leading cause of respiratory infections, disproportionately affecting children under four, who account for half of RSV hospital admissions.
The research indicates that vaccination coverage was high, with 71% of eligible infants receiving prophylaxis during the initial months of the program. Effectiveness studies reveal that nirsevimab is approximately 86.4% effective in preventing RSV hospitalizations in infants, emphasizing its potential to significantly alleviate healthcare burden.
Looking ahead, Australia has launched a national RSV prevention strategy for 2025, which includes free maternal vaccinations and targeted infant protection. Ongoing evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis of this program will be essential to optimize resource allocation and maximize health outcomes. Key challenges include ensuring vaccine accessibility, fostering parental acceptance, and addressing the needs of high-risk populations, such as First Nations children.
Overall, these efforts demonstrate that RSV immunization is transforming pediatric respiratory health, significantly reducing hospital admissions and associated costs, and shaping the future of infectious disease prevention in Australia. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-rsv-immunization-australia-millions-hospital.html
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