July 21st, 2025RSV protection for older Victorians
The state government is leading the nation in protecting older Victorians from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – with a free vaccine now available for residents in public sector residential aged care services.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt has announced the Australian-first program, which will see the Arexvy® RSV vaccine delivered to residents aged 60 and over in public and Aboriginal community-controlled aged care services.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages but can cause serious illness in older people – particularly those with existing heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
The Arexvy vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of RSV infections, including the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The $2.2 million program complements the Labor Government’s broader investment in aged care with $34.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 to continue delivering high-quality care in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) and $7.5 million for infrastructure upgrades to improve comfort and safety for residents.
The RSV immunisation program is also supported by strong clinical guidance including from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) which recommend RSV vaccination for people aged 75 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over and those with medical risk factors.
