Information reviewed: June 2026. NIP eligibility, NSW programs and vaccine availability may change. Confirm current details with your GP or vaccination provider before booking.
The RSV vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for specific eligible groups in Australia. It is not free for every Australian. Eligibility depends on factors including pregnancy, age, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
Key Takeaways
- Free NIP RSV vaccination applies to pregnant women from 28 to 36 weeks, adults aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over.
- Adults aged 60 to 74 may be recommended to receive, or may consider, RSV vaccination depending on their health risks, but they are not automatically NIP-funded.Â
- Babies follow a separate protection pathway and may receive a monoclonal antibody rather than a vaccine, depending on eligibility and state program rules.
Who Can Get a Free RSV Vaccine Under the NIP?
The National Immunisation Program, often called the NIP, funds certain vaccines for eligible people in Australia. RSV vaccination is NIP-funded for defined groups only. The table below summarises current eligibility.
| Patient group | Free under the NIP? | Key condition |
| Pregnant women | Yes | Recommended from 28 to 36 weeks during each pregnancy |
| Adults aged 75 and over | Yes | NIP-funded from 15 May 2026 |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over | Yes | NIP-funded from 15 May 2026 |
| Other adults aged 60 to 74 | No, not automatically | May be recommended, but private cost may apply |
| Babies and young children | Separate program | Eligible children may receive state-funded nirsevimab |
The national rules distinguish between recommended groups and NIP-funded groups. Being recommended for vaccination does not always mean the dose is government-funded. To access a free NIP-funded RSV vaccine, a patient must hold or be eligible for a Medicare card.
Unsure whether the current NIP criteria apply to you? A GP can review your age, pregnancy stage, health history and vaccination record before advising on suitable options. Branxton Healthcare provides general vaccination services. Contact the clinic before booking to confirm whether the relevant RSV product is currently available.
Is the RSV Vaccine Free During Pregnancy?
Yes. The maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo is free under the NIP for pregnant women. It is recommended from 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy and is recommended during each pregnancy, including closely spaced pregnancies.
When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, her immune system produces antibodies that pass through the placenta to the baby. This can help protect the infant against severe RSV disease for up to about six months after birth.
Suitability and timing should be discussed with a GP, midwife, or maternity care provider. You can speak with your GP as part of your pregnancy and shared obstetric care.
Is the RSV Vaccine Free for Older Australians?
From 15 May 2026, the RSV vaccine Arexvy is NIP-funded for older Australians. This applies to:
- All adults aged 75 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over
Only one dose is currently recommended for older adults. Protection lasts for at least two years, and recommendations about further doses may change as more evidence becomes available. Eligible Australians can receive the vaccine through GPs, immunisation clinics, community health services, Aboriginal health services, and participating pharmacies.
If you or a family member falls within this age group, your GP can confirm eligibility as part of broader healthcare for older adults.
What About Adults Aged 60 to 74?
Adults aged 60 to 74 are not automatically eligible for a free RSV vaccine under the national program. There are no RSV vaccines currently NIP-funded for this age group based on age or medical risk factors alone.
However, RSV vaccination may still be recommended or considered for adults in this group, depending on individual health circumstances. A private prescription and purchase may be required, and the cost can vary between providers. Ask your GP or pharmacy about current pricing before booking. Your GP can discuss whether vaccination is clinically appropriate for your situation.
Is RSV Protection Free for Babies in NSW?
Babies do not receive an RSV vaccine under this pathway. Instead, eligible babies and young children may receive nirsevimab, which is a long-acting monoclonal antibody, not a traditional vaccine. It is sold under the brand name Beyfortus.
Eligible children may include:
- infants up to 6 months who are not protected through maternal RSV vaccination
- infants born less than two weeks after maternal vaccination
- infants up to 6 months with medical risk factors for severe RSV, regardless of maternal vaccination
- children up to 24 months with medical risk factors who are entering their second or a later RSV season
NSW Health funds nirsevimab for eligible infants up to 6 months and for certain children up to 24 months who remain at higher risk. Providers may need to order it because local services do not always keep it in stock.
Does a Free RSV Vaccine Mean the Whole Visit Is Free?
Not necessarily. The NIP funds the eligible vaccine dose, but a consultation or administration fee may still apply, depending on the provider. Branxton Healthcare bulk bills eligible standard and long GP consultations, but other services may follow different billing arrangements.
Patients should confirm fees before attending. You can review current billing information on the Branxton Healthcare website or ask when booking.
How to Check RSV Vaccine Availability in Branxton
Before booking, it is worth confirming a few things with your provider:
- Am I NIP-eligible for a free RSV vaccine?
- Does the clinic currently stock the relevant RSV vaccine or monoclonal antibody?
- Do I need a prescription?
- Is there a consultation or administration fee?
- What identification or Medicare information should I bring?
- Have I already received an RSV vaccine?
Not all clinics stock every RSV product at all times. Confirming availability before attending avoids an unnecessary trip.
Contact Branxton Healthcare before booking to confirm current RSV vaccine availability, eligibility requirements, and whether any consultation or service fee may apply.
Check the Current Rules Before Booking
RSV vaccination is free for defined NIP-eligible groups only. NSW infant protection follows separate state-funded arrangements. Being recommended for vaccination and being funded for vaccination are not the same thing.
Availability, eligibility, and fees should be confirmed with your GP or vaccination provider before attending. NIP rules and state programs can change, so checking current details at the time of booking is the most reliable approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RSV vaccine free for everyone in Australia?
No. RSV vaccination is NIP-funded only for defined eligible groups: pregnant women from 28 to 36 weeks, adults aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over.
Is the RSV vaccine free for people over 60?
Not for everyone over 60. It is NIP-funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from age 60 and all adults from age 75. Adults aged 60 to 74 outside these groups are not automatically eligible for a free dose.
Is the RSV vaccine free during pregnancy?
Yes. Abrysvo is NIP-funded and recommended from 28 to 36 weeks during each pregnancy. Suitability should be discussed with a GP or maternity care provider.
Do babies receive a free RSV vaccine?
Babies do not receive an RSV vaccine through this program. Eligible babies may receive the state-funded monoclonal antibody nirsevimab depending on maternal vaccination status and clinical risk factors.
Can I receive a funded dose if I paid for an RSV vaccine last year?
Current guidance does not recommend an additional dose for an older adult who has already received an RSV vaccine. Individual records and circumstances should be checked with a health professional.
References
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2026) Free RSV vaccine for older Australians, Australian Government website, accessed 15 June 2026.
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2026) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Australian Government website, accessed 15 June 2026.
Australian Immunisation Handbook (2026) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Australian Immunisation Handbook website, accessed 15 June 2026.
NCIRS (National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance) (2026) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FAQs, NCIRS website, accessed 15 June 2026.