A New Vaccine for Winter – Free RSV Protection for Older Australians

May 11
2 min read

Are you aged 75+? You will soon be eligible for a free RSV Vaccine.

Winter is on its way, and this year there's an important new addition to the immunisation toolkit for Australians over 75 years of age. From 15 May 2026, a vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be available free of charge through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) — and it's great news for many of our patients.

Two older Australians walking in the park

What is RSV?

RSV is a common, contagious respiratory virus that spreads mainly through inhalation of respiratory droplets from infected people, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms are often similar to other acute respiratory infections — blocked or runny nose, cough, tiredness, sore throat, muscle aches, and headache.

While it might sound like a run-of-the-mill winter bug, RSV can be much more serious for older adults. Older adults who are hospitalised with RSV experience longer hospital stays and more in-hospital deaths compared with young children, partly because immunity tends to weaken with age. People with chronic conditions including COPD, asthma, heart failure, and diabetes are at particular risk of severe disease.

In 2025, Australia experienced almost 180,000 cases of RSV nationwide, with more than 40,000 cases in adults over 60.

Source: lungfoundation

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Who is eligible for the free RSV vaccine?

From 15 May 2026, the vaccine — called Arexvy — will be available at no cost under the NIP to:

Australians aged 75 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 60 years and over

What if I'm not in eligible?

RSV vaccination may still be appropriate for you — it's just not covered by the government in these groups. A private script from your GP is required, with the vaccine collected from a pharmacy. Arexvy is approved for use in adults aged ≥60 years and adults 50–59 years who are at increased risk for RSV disease.

A note on protection & repeat doses

Current evidence suggests that protection from the RSV vaccine lasts for at least two years. The need for further doses has not yet been established, so this is an evolving area that we'll keep patients updated on as guidance develops.

When can I get the RSV Vaccine at Varo Medical?

We have stock already in our fridge and will be ready to administer vaccines on the 15th of May. Booking is easy just book on line via HotDoc and choose a short 10 minute consultation or give us a call and we will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.