Government to Fund Free RSV Vaccine for Older Australians from 2026

The Australian Government will add the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine Arexvy to the National Immunisation Program, providing it free of charge to eligible groups starting May 15, 2026.

The program, backed by a $445 million investment, targets Australians aged 75 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and other health groups have welcomed the announcement.

Separately, the RACGP in Victoria is advocating for state-funded meningococcal B and intranasal influenza vaccines for children.

RSV Vaccine Program Details

• Start Date: The free vaccine will be available from May 15, 2026.
• Eligible Groups:
  • All Australians aged 75 years and over.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over.
• Vaccine: The program will fund GSK's Arexvy vaccine.
• Access Points: Available through general practitioners, participating pharmacies, immunisation clinics, and community and Aboriginal health services.
• Private Cost: Outside the NIP, the Arexvy vaccine costs approximately $300 per dose for other eligible groups, including all adults 60+ and adults 50-59 at increased risk.

Background on RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious respiratory virus. While often causing mild, cold-like symptoms, it can lead to severe illness such as pneumonia and bronchitis, resulting in hospitalization, intensive care admission, or death.

Older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions like COPD, asthma, or heart disease, are at higher risk. In 2024, 16,734 people aged 75 or over in Australia were diagnosed with RSV.

Statements on the RSV Program

Health organizations and representatives have commented on the government's decision.

• The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) welcomed the announcement. RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright stated the decision could reduce preventable hospitalizations and recognizes the higher burden of respiratory disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Federal Health Minister Mark Butler stated that expanding the NIP ensures Australian patients access medicines and vaccines at affordable prices.
• Simon Blacker, Vice President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said the reform will save lives and help keep older Australians well through winter.
• Dr. Alan Paul, Executive Country Medical Director of GSK Australia, described the initiative as a significant milestone in preventing RSV disease in older adults.
• Catherine Hughes, Executive Director of Immunisation Foundation Australia, said the inclusion highlights immunisation as a lifelong strategy that will help protect older adults, prevent hospital admissions, and ease pressure on the health system.
• Professor Lucy Morgan from the Lung Foundation Australia noted the younger eligibility age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people acknowledges the higher burden of respiratory disease in these communities.

Separate Advocacy in Victoria

In a separate matter, the Royal Australian College of GPs in Victoria is urging the state government to fund free meningococcal B (MenB) and intranasal influenza vaccines for children.

• Meningococcal B Vaccine: The call follows a meningococcal B outbreak in the United Kingdom in March and local advocacy after the death of 16-year-old Levi Syer in Victoria last year. Dr. Anita Muñoz, RACGP Victoria Chair, stated that funding the MenB vaccine would remove financial barriers and save lives.
• Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: The RACGP also advocates for a free needle-free influenza vaccine for children, arguing it would increase uptake, protect families, and reduce transmission in schools. Dr. Muñoz characterized funding for both vaccines as a strategic public health investment to prevent deaths and reduce strain on healthcare services.

The Victorian Opposition has reportedly committed to funding free MenB vaccines for infants and teenagers if elected.