First state to provide free vaccine in public sector aged care homes for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
 
					The Victorian government, which operates 171 Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) primarily run by public health services, is the first in Australia to offer a free vaccine for residents to safeguard them from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt on Tuesday announced Arexvy® RSV vaccine will be delivered to residents aged 60 and over in public and Aboriginal community-controlled aged care services.
RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages but can cause serious illness in older people - particularly those with existing heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.
The Arexvy® vaccine has been shown to reduce the severity of RSV infections, including the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The $2.2 million program complements the State Government's broader investment in aged care with $34.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 to continue delivering high-quality care in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) and $7.5 million for infrastructure upgrades to improve comfort and safety for residents.
The PSRACS account for approximately 9% of all residential aged care beds in the state, with around 5,000 beds.
The RSV immunisation program is also supported by strong clinical guidance including from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) which recommend RSV vaccination for people aged 75 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over and those with medical risk factors.
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
"No family wants to imagine their parent or grandparent sick and this free immunisation program will keep residents of our Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services safe from serious respiratory illness caused by RSV," said the Minister for Ageing.
 
                     
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                     
                     
                    