The WA Department of Health has funded an infant immunisation program to prevent infants most at risk from severe RSV disease.
The program will run from early April to September 2024.
The RSV preventative medicine, nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus®) is available through the RSV infant immunisation program. Nirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that has been registered by the TGA for use in young infants entering their first RSV season and some children entering their second RSV season who have medical conditions that place them at high risk of severe RSV illness.
Nirsevimab has been shown to be 80 per cent effective at preventing young infants from being hospitalised with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) caused by RSV. Nirsevimab is 90 per cent effective at preventing an infant from being admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of LRTI caused by RSV.
The Program will be delivered through participating public and private birthing hospitals, community health immunisation clinics, general practices, and Aboriginal Medical Services.
