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The NSW government will spend $16m for a free vaccination scheme to combat respiratory syncytial virus in babies, starting next year.
Respiratory syncytial virus – or RSV – infects up to 90 per cent of children under the age of two. In children under one one-year-old, an infection can in particular become bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
“There is nothing more stressful than having a sick baby, especially when it is something potentially serious like RSV,” NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said.
“This program model will help keep babies out of hospital and at home with their family.”
RSV vaccines for babies and pregnant women were added to the free National Immunisation Program this week.
Cases of the infection spiked earlier this year, up 40 per cent on the previous year in April. NSW had the highest number of cases nationwide.
This year, NSW recorded 70,000 RSV cases up to November 7, more than 10,000 of those cases being babies younger than 12 months old.
In response the state government has committed $16.6m to the free immunisation scheme.
“This program will ensure all infants who are not protected through maternal vaccination will be offered immunisation,” Mr Park said.
Up to September this year, the state’s current “vulnerable babies” RSV vaccine scheme jabbed 4500 infants. Data shows the scheme reduced RSV cases by 25 per cent among babies under six months old.
RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies and it infects their nose, throat, and lungs. It is a leading cause of children going to hospital.
Getting a vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants less than six-months of age by about 70 per cent.