RSV overtakes flu as Australia’s top winter virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has officially overtaken influenza for the first time as Australia’s most dominant winter illness, prompting urgent calls for elderly Australians to get vaccinated.

A mid-winter report released today by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) shows that while 1.76 million older Australians have gotten the flu shot this year, only 722,530 in the same age group have received their free RSV vaccine.

This leaves more than a million Australians aged 75 and over, alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Australia has already recorded more than 83,000 cases of RSV this year.

It marks the first time RSV has dominated mid-year infectious respiratory disease notifications since it became nationally reportable in 2021, outnumbering both influenza and COVID-19.

With an average of 890 confirmed notifications each day since the start of winter, Australia is on track to record around 127,000 cases by the end of the season.

IFA executive director Catherine Hughes said the RSV vaccine only became free for older Australians a few months ago.

“The RSV vaccine was unfortunately not available in April and early May when many older Australians receive their flu shot, so it’s clear there is some catching up to do,” she said.

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“There is still a massive gap in RSV vaccination coverage and an urgent need for older adults to roll up their sleeves,” she said.

Hughes said many people did not realise that the RSV and flu vaccines could be administered during the same medical appointment, making it a convenient way to maximise winter protection.

While often causing mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation for infants and seniors. 

It can trigger severe respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and cause lasting declines in both physical and cognitive health for older demographics.

Clinical studies indicate that the vaccine is highly effective, reducing the risk of hospitalisation from severe RSV by more than 85 per cent. 

It also reduces hospital admissions by nearly 80 per cent for secondary conditions aggravated by the virus, such as chronic lung and heart disease.

Australian Medical Association president Dr Danielle McMullen urged unprotected Australians to contact their GPs or pharmacists immediately. 

“With so many Australians yet to be protected against RSV, it’s essential that people speak to a healthcare professional about RSV protection. Now is the time to act – winter is far from over,” McMullen said.

Health experts have pointed to Australia’s infant RSV immunisation program, which provides free RSV vaccines to infants and expectant mothers, as evidence of the efficacy of the vaccine.

Since the national rollout of the program last year, more than 360,000 Australian babies have been immunised. 

Data shows that despite the high number of community cases this year, infant admissions to paediatric hospitals in April and May were 70 per cent lower than the same period in 2024.