13/06/2026
It's RSV Awareness Week and our Public Health Registrar Dr Hannah has one message: protect yourself!
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs - it's also highly contagious and spreads easily.
Dr Hannah is urging vulnerable people to get vaccinated as it has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of severe illness and hospitalisation.
“While some people see it as a common cold, it is much more serious for some people in our community,” said Dr Hannah.
The vaccination is free for older Australians (those 75 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 60 years and over), newborns and some children under 2 years of age.
Pregnant women can also get a free vaccine from 28 weeks to protect infants against severe RSV disease from birth for up to 6 months.
If you need health advice please contact 13 HEALTH, talk to your doctor, or in an emergency go to your nearest emergency department.
Find out more about RSV: https://loom.ly/iOyZHSs