Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
An Improved and High Throughput Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Micro-neutralization Assay
Published on: January 26, 2019
Respiratory syncytial virus preventives for children in Australia: current landscape and future directions
Sam T Barnett1, Jane Tuckerman2,3, Ian G Barr4,5
1Monash University, Melbourne, VIC.
Insights
New RSV prevention strategies, including nirsevimab and Abrysvo, are being implemented in Australia. Real-world data will assess their effectiveness, especially for high-risk infants and First Nations populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) significantly impacts infants, causing severe lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations.
- Palivizumab was the prior standard for RSV prevention, but it has limitations.
- Nirsevimab and Abrysvo represent advancements in pediatric RSV prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the introduction and planned evaluation of new RSV prevention strategies in Australia.
- To highlight the integration of maternal vaccination (Abrysvo) and infant passive immunization (nirsevimab).
- To address logistical considerations for equitable access, particularly for First Nations communities.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of state-managed nirsevimab programs in Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales for the 2024 season.
- Planned national program in 2025 offering maternal Abrysvo vaccination and targeted infant nirsevimab prophylaxis.
- Collection and analysis of real-world efficacy data from Australian states and territories.
Main Results:
- International data indicate nirsevimab reduces RSV hospitalizations and disease severity.
- State programs are targeting infants and high-risk groups.
- The national program will provide broad protection through vaccination and passive immunization.
Conclusions:
- The integration of Abrysvo and nirsevimab offers a significant advance in pediatric RSV prevention.
- Real-world Australian data are crucial for refining these programs.
- Equitable access, especially for First Nations populations, requires coordinated efforts to address healthcare disparities.
Abstract:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections, and a leading cause of hospitalisation in children under 6 months of age. Previously, palivizumab, a costly, short-acting monoclonal antibody, was the primary preventive option. The recent introductions of nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a long-acting monoclonal antibody, and Abrysvo, a maternal RSV vaccine, have brought about significant advances in RSV prevention for children. Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales launched state-managed nirsevimab programs targeting infants and high risk groups for the 2024 RSV season. International data support nirsevimab's effectiveness in reducing RSV-related hospitalisations and severity of disease in real-world settings. In 2025, Australia's national RSV prevention program includes free maternal vaccination with Abrysvo and targeted infant protection with nirsevimab for high risk or newborns whose mothers did not receive Abrysvo at least 2 weeks before delivery, funded by individual jurisdictions. Real-world efficacy data derived from Australian states and territories and the national prevention program will be pivotal in evaluating and refining the integration of maternal immunisation with Abrysvo and infant passive immunisation with nirsevimab. Key logistical considerations include ensuring timely access and equitable distribution, particularly for First Nations populations who face increased risk from RSV infection. Coordinated efforts are essential to overcome health care disparities and deliver effective prevention strategies to these prioritised groups.
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