Protecting our kids from RSV
Protecting our kids from RSV
7 March 2024
WA babies will soon be offered immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in the country, an Australian first!
RSV is a common and highly infectious virus that affects infants and young children and is a common cause of coughs and colds during the winter months..
In WA, more than 65 per cent of infants are affected by RSV during their first year of life. Each year, approximately 1,200 babies in WA require hospitalisation due to RSV.
As winter approaches, let’s prioritise the health of WA’s youngest and most vulnerable. Together, we can shield our little ones from the impact of RSV.
An immunisation will be available for some children from early April.
Other ways to prevent the spread:
- practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitiser
- practice good personal hygiene which includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing a mask when leaving the home and avoiding close contact with others
- keep infected people away from others until they recover
- clean surfaces and items that may be contaminated with a detergent that can kill viruses.
Learn more about RSV.