As Obstetricians, we don’t often see babies past the 6-week check, that is the domain of our Paediatrician colleagues. We are however, in the unique position of helping mums protect their growing babies while they are pregnant, through some key health initiatives like vaccination for whopping cough and now, RSV.

You may not have heard of RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, but it is common cold-like virus and in adults, affects the respiratory system with mild symptoms. For newborn babies and infants up until 2 years old, it is serious and is the leading cause of hospitalisation in babies under 6 months old.

If you are pregnant, you can do something to protect your newborn.

Starting February 3, 2025, eligible pregnant women in Australia can receive a free RSV vaccine between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

The way the vaccine works is by stimulating mum’s immune system to produce antibodies against RSV that then pass to the fetus through the placenta.

Getting the RSV vaccine in pregnancy reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in infants less than 6 months of age by around 70%.

The ideal time to receive the vaccine is as close to 28 weeks as possible, as this timing maximises the number of antibodies the fetus receives. If you have your baby less than 2 weeks after having the vaccine, you may be recommended that your baby have a separate vaccine for additional protection.

How to access the Maternal RSV Vaccine

Under the National Immunisation Program, pregnant people between 28-36 weeks can access the vaccine at their GP clinic, nurse practitioner or some pharmacies.

There is also a ‘catch up’ program for infants whose mothers didn’t receive the vaccination during pregnancy or who are most at risk.

We recommend you talk to your GP to see if you are eligible.

How do I know if my baby has RSV?

If you have missed the maternal RSV vaccine, or care for a newborn, it is good to know the signs and symptoms of RSV.

RSV starts like a cold with a runny nose and a wet sounding cough. Look out for signs in your baby like lethargy, irritability, fever, rapid breathing, wheezing and/or belly breathing. This is when breathing is strained and the muscles between the ribs, belly and clavicle area look like they are ‘sucking in’.  If you are ever concerned, please take your baby to an Urgent Care Clinic or Emergency Department.

Being prepared is key

Step one is prevention and vaccination for RSV is something you can do proactively.

Step two is learning about newborn first aid. As a parent you become your baby’s first responder and it is key to know your baby’s normal health signs.

On The Kick Pregnancy Podcast, you can hear us talk to Sarah Duncanson from Paeds Education about how to pick signs that your baby is unwell.

Sarah also runs a baby first aid course and runs our first aid refreshers at our clinic, and we highly recommend these to all parents. You can find out more here.

Written by Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – Dr Kate Stewart and Dr Patrick Moloney