RSV Vaccine in Point Cook

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects most children by age two and is a leading reason babies under 12 months are admitted to hospital. It is also a serious illness for older adults. An RSV vaccine can protect a newborn through pregnancy or protect an older person directly, and both are available at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre in Point Cook.

Who RSV vaccination is recommended for

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends it for:

  • pregnant women, in each pregnancy, from 28 weeks
  • everyone aged 75 and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 60
  • anyone 60 or older with a medical risk factor for severe RSV

Adults aged 60 to 74 without a risk factor, and adults 50 to 59 with one, may also consider it.

RSV vaccine in pregnancy

Abrysvo is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for women at 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. The mother makes antibodies over the next couple of weeks, and these cross the placenta, protecting the baby from birth for up to six months. Aim to have it by the end of 36 weeks, because a baby born less than two weeks after the dose is unlikely to be well protected.

Babies who missed out, or who have their own risk conditions, can receive an antibody injection (nirsevimab), which Victoria provides free for eligible infants. Our antenatal care and pregnancy care pages cover the rest of the pregnancy schedule, including the whooping cough vaccine.

Free RSV vaccine for older adults

The NIP funds a dose for adults aged 75 and over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 60. There is no NIP funding for people aged 60 to 74 or for younger adults with risk conditions. They can buy the vaccine privately, which may need a prescription, so ask reception about the cost.

One dose is given, with protection lasting at least two years. Whether a repeat dose is needed has not yet been established. The vaccine can be given at any time of year, ideally before the RSV season.

Health conditions that raise the risk

Examples of risk factors for severe RSV in adults include:

  • heart failure or coronary artery disease
  • COPD, emphysema, bronchiectasis or severe asthma
  • type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • advanced kidney disease, and conditions or treatments that weaken immunity
  • a body mass index of 30 or more

If you live with lung disease, see also our emphysema management page.

Side effects and other vaccines

Common reactions are pain and redness at the injection site, tiredness, headache and muscle aches. The vaccine should not be given after anaphylaxis to an earlier dose or to any of its ingredients.

Older adults can have it at the same visit as flu, COVID-19, shingles or pneumococcal vaccines. Antibody levels are slightly lower when RSV and flu vaccines are given together, though what this means in practice is uncertain.

Booking an RSV vaccine in Point Cook

You can book online or call the clinic and mention the RSV vaccine when you book. Childhood and adult immunisations are bulk billed with all our doctors; any other consultation costs are on the fees page. Afterwards you will be asked to wait at least 15 minutes, and anyone with difficulty breathing should call 000.

Common questions

I had the RSV vaccine in my last pregnancy. Do I need it again?

Yes. A dose is recommended in each pregnancy so that every baby is born with fresh antibodies.

Can the RSV and whooping cough vaccines be given at one visit in pregnancy?

They can be given together or separately. Whooping cough is ideally given from 20 weeks and RSV from 28 weeks, so some women have them at different appointments.

Is RSV just a cold for adults?

For many it feels like one, but older people and those with heart or lung disease can become seriously unwell and need hospital care.

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