What is RSV?
A common cause of runny noses, coughs and fever, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV infects the lungs and airways and is especially dangerous for newborn babies up to six months of age.
How common is RSV?
RSV is one of the most common reasons babies and young children are admitted to hospital every year. Before the recent introduction of the world’s first RSV immunisations and vaccines for pregnant mothers and newborn babies, the virus was responsible for more than 100,000 deaths and 3.6 million hospitalisations in children worldwide each year.
What are the signs of RSV?
RSV causes symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, cough and trouble breathing. Children with severe RSV may require hospitalisation and oxygen support, especially if complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia develop. In some cases, severe RSV infection in young children can cause wheezing or asthma later in childhood.
How can I protect my child from RSV?
A national RSV Immunisation Program was introduced in February 2025, providing all Australian mums and their newborn babies with free access to the best and most comprehensive protection against RSV. Expectant mums (28-36 weeks pregnant) can receive an RSV vaccine to safeguard their newborns, while babies aged up to eight months, and high-risk kids up to two years of age, may be eligible for RSV immunisation according to their State program.
If you are concerned your child may have RSV, please consult your GP or local emergency department.
Our research impact
Researchers at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases have spent the past 25 years working with international collaborators to develop safe and effective RSV immunisations. Additionally, their work provided crucial evidence demonstrating the benefits of a targeted RSV vaccination program – evidence which helped shape the launch of Western Australia’s nation-leading RSV immunisation program for babies in April 2024. Since then, more than 24,000 WA babies have been protected against RSV, including 80 per cent of all newborns and 66 per cent of babies in the ‘catch-up’ cohort entering their first winter season.
Our research has contributed to a nationwide immunisation program designed to prevent the hospitalisation of more than 10,000 Australian babies each year.
The next phase of our research is focused on the STAMP RSV Program, funded by the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation. This program aims to support the adoption of emerging RSV immunisation strategies by providing evidence to shape public health policy. Our goal is to translate research into effective RSV control measures, reducing both the health and economic impact of the virus.
