21 April 2026
From 15 May 2026, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine Arexvy® will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible older adults at increased risk of severe RSV disease.
RSV is a common virus that can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, particularly in older adults and aged care residents.
Eligibility
From 15 May 2026, a single dose of Arexvy® RSV vaccine is free and recommended under the NIP for:
- Adults aged 75 years and older
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 60–74 years
Private vaccines
- Adults aged 60–74 years, and people with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease, may consider privately purchasing an RSV vaccine.
- These vaccines cannot be claimed through the NIP.
Ordering vaccines
- Online ordering via Onelink opens Wednesday 22 April 2026. Supply is limited and order limits apply.
- Weekly ordering is supported (orders must be at least 7 days apart).
- Allow a minimum of 7 business days for processing and delivery during influenza season. (No rural deliveries on Mondays)
- Providers requiring additional stock should contact immunisation@health.vic.gov.aubefore ordering.
Timing of vaccination
- Vaccination should be offered before the start of the RSV season where possible.
- RSV infections most commonly occur between April and September, peaking in June and July, often before influenza season.
- Arexvy® can be administered as soon as stock is available.
Clinical guidance
- Arexvy® may be given at the same visit as other vaccines for older adults, including COVID‑19, influenza (including adjuvanted influenza), pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.
- Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook and NCIRS RSV FAQs for clinical guidance.
- Australian Government resources for health professionals and consumers will be made available in the coming weeks.
- All Arexvy® vaccinations must be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register.
Resources
- Program advice for health professionals
- RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody poster
- Consumer fact sheet
- Frequently asked questions
- Australian Immunisation Handbook and NCIRS RSV FAQs
- Further information and resources will be available on the department’s website in time for the program commencement on 15 May 2026.
NOTE – Arexvy® vaccine is not registered for use in children.
The content in this article was provided by the Victorian State Government, Department of Health.
