Vaccine too expensive as older Aussies hospitalised with respiratory virus

But while a vaccine is available and free for babies in some circumstances, it is not listed on the National Immunisation Program and costs an adult between $315 and $350 a year putting it out of reach of many vulnerable older Australians.

There have been more than 13,000 reported cases of RSV in people aged 60 and over in Australia this year and 45,000 in children under five years.

RSV is spread through coughs and sneezes. It is just one of a number of respiratory infections, including the flu, COVID 19, mycoplasma (walking pneumonia) and whooping cough sweeping across the country at the moment.

Older adults and those with certain chronic medical conditions are at high risk of severe RSV infection which can also lead to pneumonia. Natural immunity after an RSV infection is short lived and re-infections can occur throughout life.

"At the start of winter, we've already recorded nearly two-thirds the total number of RSV cases reported in 2023. This is well ahead of the normal curve," said Dr Lisa McHugh, infectious diseases and perinatal epidemiologist at the University of Queensland.

"We anticipate RSV infections to climb as temperatures drop. We should also expect a surge in presentations to hospitals among those not protected against severe RSV," she said.

Margaret McMahon's brush with RSV began with her feeling a little unwell which she put down to being run-down. The next day the 68-year-old Newcastle retiree developed a cough and was struggling to breath. By day three, a 40-degree temperature prompted Margaret to go to the emergency department where she was immediately admitted to intensive care and put in isolation with strict infectious disease protocols in place.

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The RSV had triggered double pneumonia, sepsis, and some liver damage.

"While I had heard of RSV, I thought it was something that impacts babies more than anyone else," Margaret said. "I didn't realise how sick adults could also get from RSV."

"It was a horrible experience and not one I have fully recovered from. Nearly a year later and I am still coughing - it often wakes me and my husband up at night," Margaret said.

"Without immunisation, we know that around 12,000 Australian babies are hospitalised with pneumonia and bronchiolitis caused by RSV each year, with one-in-four requiring intensive care," said Catherine Hughes, Immunisation Foundation of Australia founder and director.

"It's wonderful that for the first time we can protect babies and the elderly from RSV, but it's not sustainable to have infant immunisation programs in some states and not others, nor to ask older Australians to pay hundreds of dollars each year for RSV protection," she said.

The IFA has made submissions to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee on the funding of antibody therapy for infants and young children and vaccination for pregnant women and Australians aged 60 years and over.

RSV Awareness Week runs from June 2-8, 2024.