RSV (short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common respiratory virus that mostly affects babies and young kids but can infect people of any age. Most babies catch RSV in their first year of life and symptoms are usually mild but some babies can get very sick and need to stay in hospital.
Aboriginal babies are at higher risk of becoming very sick and needing to stay in hospital for treatment. Babies who get RSV can be at increased risk of developing asthma as they grow up. RSV infections usually occur in the colder months of late autumn and winter.
In NSW, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants born after 31 October 2023 are now eligible for a free RSV immunisation called Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab). This is a ‘passive’ immunisation that provides RSV monoclonal antibodies directly to the infant so they have immediate protection against RSV.
Kerry Chant, the Chief health Officer would like to meet with NSW ACCHO’s to provide an update and hold a discussion in regards to the NSW program providing RSV immunisation to babies at high risk of becoming very sick on Tuesday 23 April from 3pm-4pm.
The meeting will provide an update on the eligibility criteria and provide an opportunity for questions and discussions about the program.
Meeting details below
__________________________________________________________________
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 437 778 558 360
Passcode: wPJTxD
Dial-in by phone
+61 2 8318 0010,,183205502#
Australia, Sydney
Phone conference ID: 183 205 502#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: jointeams@conference.meet.health.nsw.gov.au
Video ID: 132 595 728 4
