Free RSV Vaccines Now Available for Older Australians – Protect Your Health Today

Free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations will be available to older Australians starting May 15, 2026, as part of an expansion of the National Immunisation Program announced by the Australian Government.

The initiative provides the vaccine at no cost to all Australians aged 75 and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. Eligible individuals can access the free RSV vaccine through local health services, including general practitioners, immunisation clinics, participating pharmacies, and Aboriginal health services.

Until now, the RSV vaccine has typically cost around $300 per dose, placing it out of reach for many older Australians on fixed or low incomes. The government has committed $445.3 million to ensure free access to the vaccine for eligible Australians, removing a significant financial barrier to protection against the virus.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions or living in aged care facilities. While often mistaken for a bad cold, RSV can lead to hospitalisation, complications, and in some cases, death among vulnerable populations.

Aged care residents are considered especially vulnerable due to shared living quarters, which facilitate the spread of infection. The vaccine is described as typically requiring only a single lifetime dose for older people, offering long-term protection ahead of the winter season, which is the peak period for RSV transmission.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler encouraged eligible Australians to get vaccinated, stating that doing so would help protect both individuals and the wider community during the winter months. The expansion builds on an existing free maternal RSV vaccination program, which has already contributed to a 10 per cent reduction in RSV cases among young children since its introduction in February 2025.

More than 225,000 mothers have received the free maternal RSV vaccine since its availability began, helping to protect infants from serious illness. Health experts, including the president of the Royal Australian College of GPs, have welcomed the expansion, noting it will reduce preventable hospitalisations and improve health outcomes for older Australians.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia confirmed that the free RSV vaccine will be available at more than 6,000 community pharmacies nationwide, increasing accessibility for seniors seeking protection ahead of the winter season.