Last updated on 20/05/2026

 

RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions.  

From 15 May 2026, free RSV vaccination is available under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over.  

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to best protect yourself this season. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can be far more than a ‘cold’.  If you are over 65 or you live with a medical condition including asthma, a heart condition or weakened immune system, you are more likely to become very sick from RSV and need hospitalisation. For people with asthma, RSV can: 

  • worsen your asthma symptoms and even trigger an attack  
  • cause a lung infection, including pneumonia  
  • worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease 

RSV puts older people with asthma in hospital more often than those without asthma. Older people can also die due to RSV.   

Getting RSV when you have asthma can set your health backwards and have lasting health impacts. That’s why Asthma Australia is raising awareness and urging you to act. 

What can I do?

Good asthma management and taking steps to protect your health against viruses will help prevent severe illness.  In fact, viruses are the most common trigger of asthma attacks and can make you very unwell.  

The first thing you can do is get your asthma treatment on target, get an Asthma Action Plan, and consider immunisation options. To do all these, book in for an Asthma Review with your doctor.   

You can also book a call with an Asthma Educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) if you have more asthma questions. 

Book a Call

RSV Vaccination

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends RSV vaccination for: 

  • all people aged 75 and over 
  • people aged 60 and over with a medical condition increasing their risk of serious disease, including severe asthma (requiring frequent medical consultations or the use of multiple medications) 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over 

Anyone aged 60-74 and people aged 50-59 with a medical condition increasing their risk of severe illness can consider RSV vaccination.  

Not everyone is eligible for free vaccination, but you can consider your options to get vaccinated via private purchase. Some private health insurances may help cover the cost. 

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are eligible and if RSV vaccination may be suitable for you. 

Read Kellee’s Story about contracting RSV here. 

Check other vaccination options here. 

Last updated: 15/05/2026