Pregnant women and babies will have greater protection against a condition known as respiratory syncytial virus as part of an expanded vaccination program. Login or signup to continue reading The federal government will spend more than $174 million to give pregnant women a free vaccine for RSV ahead of next year's winter, with national access also expanded for newborns and young children. RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation for young children, with 12,000 babies admitted each winter.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the expanded vaccination scheme would help to keep 10,000 babies out of hospital each year. "We've seen about 160,000 cases of RSV recorded over the course of this winter, half of them were under-four-year-olds. It really huts under-two-year-olds very, very hard," he told Sky News on Sunday.
"This (vaccination) program we think will cut that hospitalisation rate (for babies) up to 90 per cent, a huge win for families." RSV is a respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs, with infants being most at risk. Mr Butler said immunisations for pregnant women significantly reduces the risk of RSV in children under six months.
"Our combination approach, in partnership with each state and territory, will ensure that every single infant in Australia is protected ahead of the winter RSV season," he said. "This is a world-leading approach to reduce the impact of RSV on babies." Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis.
WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered.
WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep.
Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks.
DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!.
Politics
Babies, pregnant mums to have greater RSV protection
The federal government will provide free access to vaccines protecting expectant mums and babies from respiratory syncytial virus.