Free RSV vaccine available for older patients from May
From 15 May 2026, eligible older patients will be able to receive a free respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
The funded RSV vaccine will be available for:
Patients aged 75 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients aged 60 years and over
RSV can cause severe respiratory illness, hospitalisation and death in older people, particularly those with underlying conditions or living in aged care.
General practices are encouraged to identify eligible patients and discuss RSV vaccination as part of routine consultations and winter vaccination planning, alongside influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines.
➡️ Read the full media release from the Minister for Health and Ageing.