RSV in Older Adults: What You Need to Know About the Vaccine
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
When we think of respiratory viruses, most of us immediately think of the flu or COVID-19. But there’s another infection quietly making its presence felt in Australia: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
While RSV is often associated with babies and young children, it can also cause serious illness in older adults. At Kirribilli Doctors, we want our community to know what RSV is, why it matters, and that there is a vaccine available.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. For most healthy adults, it feels like a cold; runny nose, sore throat, cough. But in older people, especially those with chronic health conditions, RSV can lead to serious complications, including:
Pneumonia
Worsening of asthma or COPD
Exacerbations of heart failure
Hospitalisation
Each year, thousands of older Australians are affected — and because RSV is less well-known than the flu, many people don’t realise the risks.
Who is Most at Risk?
Severe RSV infection is more likely in:
Adults aged 60 and over
People with chronic lung or heart conditions
Those with weakened immune systems
Residents of aged care facilities
Like influenza and COVID-19, RSV can put vulnerable people in hospital, and recovery may be slow.
The RSV Vaccine
Until recently, there was no vaccine to protect against RSV. That has now changed. New vaccines are available in Australia for adults aged 60 and older.
The aim of vaccination is to reduce:
The chance of severe illness
The risk of hospitalisation
The impact on existing health conditions
This is particularly important for older adults who want to maintain independence and avoid complications.
Is the Vaccine Right for You?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that all adults aged 75 and older should be offered RSV vaccination, and that adults aged 60 to 74 may also benefit, especially if they have chronic health conditions.
At present, the vaccine is not yet funded under the National Immunisation Program, which means there may be a private cost involved.
Protecting Your Health
Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to reduce serious illness from RSV but it’s not the only one. Other ways to protect yourself include:
Washing hands regularly
Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces
Staying home if you’re unwell to protect others
Talk to Us About RSV Vaccination
If you’re 60 or older, now is a good time to talk to your GP about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you. At Kirribilli Doctors, we can discuss your health history, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision.