'Game changer': Pregnant women, infants to get free access to RSV vaccine in South Australia

Pregnant women and infants in South Australia will soon be able to get vaccinated for free against the potentially dangerous illness RSV. 

It's a move aimed at keeping babies out of hospital after a horror season this year. 

The state's initiative includes two free RSV immunisation programs. 

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The first is a maternal vaccine, which is expected to be approved soon and will be accessible to all pregnant women. This vaccine offers dual protection, safeguarding both the mother and her newborn from the severe effects of RSV.

"We believe that this will be the primary mechanism by which babies, as well as pregnant women, will be protected," Health Minister Chris Picton said.

For mothers who are unable to receive the maternal vaccine or have high-risk children, an alternative vaccine will be available.

"This is a game changer. I believe this is going to make an absolute massive difference," Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said.

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Currently there's no RSV vaccine available to the general population in South Australia without paying hundreds of dollars, and the only cohort approved to access the vaccine is the elderly. 

"There is now a vaccine available in pharmacy available to people over the age of 65," Spurrier said.

"But as you know there's a cost involved… as a public health physician I'd like to see those sorts of things made free."

SA Health is hoping 80 per cent of pregnant women will take up the free RSV vaccine next year.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.