Is RSV Vaccine Free in Australia? Eligibility Guide for Patients
Not everyone qualifies for a free RSV vaccine in Australia. Free vaccination currently applies to specific eligible groups under the National Immunisation Program.
As of 2026, the RSV vaccine is free for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks, adults aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over. Eligible infants in NSW may also receive free RSV protection through a separate state-funded program.
If you are outside these groups, RSV vaccination may still be available but may need to be accessed privately.
Who Can Get the RSV Vaccine Free in Australia?
The table below summarises current free eligibility under the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program.
| Group | Free under NIP? | Key detail |
| Pregnant women 28–36 weeks | Yes | Abrysvo, year-round NIP program |
| Adults aged 75 and over | Yes | Arexvy, funded from 15 May 2026 |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60+ | Yes | Arexvy, funded from 15 May 2026 |
| Adults aged 60–74 | No | Not NIP funded; private access only |
| Adults with medical risk conditions | No | Recommended but not NIP funded |
| Eligible infants in NSW | State-funded | Beyfortus nirsevimab, not NIP |
According to the Australian Government Department of Health, there are currently no RSV vaccines funded through the National Immunisation Program for adults aged 60 to 74 or people with medical risk conditions alone.
If you are unsure whether you or a family member qualifies for free RSV vaccination, Valentine Healthcare can help you check eligibility. You can find out more about our vaccination clinic or contact the clinic before booking.
Free RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women
The maternal RSV vaccine Abrysvo is free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women. It is recommended from 28 weeks of pregnancy, ideally before 36 weeks, and is available year-round.
Abrysvo helps pass maternal antibodies to the baby during pregnancy, which may help reduce the risk of severe RSV illness in early infancy. It can be given at the same visit as other antenatal vaccinations, including whooping cough and influenza vaccines.
If you have already given birth, the maternal vaccine no longer applies. In that case, your baby’s eligibility for separate infant protection may be worth checking with your GP or maternity provider. For more information about pregnancy-related care, see our women’s health services.
Free RSV Vaccine for Older Adults
From 15 May 2026, the RSV vaccine Arexvy is funded under the National Immunisation Program for eligible older Australians. This followed a $445.3 million investment by the Australian Government to remove what was previously an approximately $300 out-of-pocket cost.
Free RSV vaccination under this program applies to:
- all adults aged 75 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance confirms that Arexvy can be given at the same visit as other recommended vaccines for older adults, including COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines. Eligible patients may be able to access the vaccine through participating GP clinics, pharmacies, Aboriginal health services, or approved immunisation providers depending on local availability.
What About Adults Aged 60 to 74 or People With Medical Risk Factors?
RSV vaccination is recommended for some adults aged 60 and over with certain medical risk conditions. However, the Australian Government’s current guidance is clear: RSV vaccines are not funded through the National Immunisation Program for adults aged 60 to 74, even if medical risk factors are present.
This means adults in this group who want RSV vaccination may need to:
- purchase the vaccine privately
- obtain a prescription from their GP
- pay the full cost, which is not rebatable through the NIP
If you have a chronic health condition and are concerned about RSV risk, speaking with your GP before winter is a sensible step. Your GP can review your health situation and discuss whether private RSV vaccination may be worth considering based on your individual circumstances.
Is RSV Protection Free for Babies and Infants?
Infant RSV protection is different from adult vaccination. In NSW, eligible babies may receive free Beyfortus nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, through the NSW RSV Maternal and Infant Immunisation Program.
Eligibility may apply if the mother did not receive Abrysvo during pregnancy, the baby was born within two weeks of maternal vaccination, or the infant has certain risk factors. Parents should check eligibility with a GP, maternity provider, or child health nurse.
Does “Free RSV Vaccine” Mean There Is No Appointment Cost?
Not always. The RSV vaccine itself may be free under the NIP if you are eligible, but a consultation or service fee may still apply depending on the provider.
Valentine Healthcare is a mixed billing practice, so it is worth checking vaccine availability, eligibility, and any possible appointment fee before booking.
What Should You Check Before Booking?
A few simple checks before your appointment can avoid confusion:
- Am I in an eligible group under the National Immunisation Program?
- Is the RSV vaccine available at my chosen clinic or pharmacy?
- Do I need to bring my Medicare card?
- Is there a consultation or service fee at this provider?
- Should I book with a GP, pharmacist, maternity provider, or immunisation clinic?
- Has my eligibility been confirmed, or do I need to check with a GP first?
When Should You Speak With a GP?
A GP can help review whether current eligibility criteria may apply to your situation and discuss available vaccination options, check whether any medical risk factors are relevant, and advise on timing and available options. Consider speaking with a GP if:
- you are pregnant and want to understand the timing of the maternal vaccine
- you are aged 75 or over and have not yet been vaccinated
- you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adult aged 60 or over
- you are aged 60 to 74 and want to understand private vaccination options
- you have a chronic condition and are concerned about RSV risk
- you are a parent unsure about infant eligibility in NSW
- you are unsure whether RSV, flu, and COVID vaccines are different or can be given together
Conclusion
The RSV vaccine is free in Australia for specific eligible groups, including pregnant women, adults aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over. Eligible infants in NSW may also qualify through the state-funded program.
Eligibility rules can change over time, so confirming current eligibility with a GP or immunisation provider before booking is always a sensible step.
Patients in Valentine, NSW can speak with Valentine Healthcare about RSV vaccine eligibility, availability, and appointment options. Book online or contact the clinic for more information.
FAQs
Is the RSV vaccine free in Australia?
Yes, but only for eligible groups under the National Immunisation Program. This includes pregnant women at 28–36 weeks, adults aged 75+, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60+.
Who is eligible for the free RSV vaccine?
Free NIP eligibility includes pregnant women from 28 weeks, adults aged 75+, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60+. Adults aged 60–74 are not currently NIP funded.
Is the RSV vaccine free during pregnancy?
Yes. Abrysvo is free under the NIP for pregnant women from 28 weeks, ideally before 36 weeks.
Do adults aged 60 to 74 get the RSV vaccine free?
No. Adults aged 60–74 are not currently funded under the NIP, even with medical risk conditions. They may access RSV vaccination privately.
Is RSV protection free for babies in NSW?
Eligible infants in NSW may receive free Beyfortus nirsevimab through the state-funded RSV program. Parents should confirm eligibility with a GP, maternity provider, or child health nurse.