National-first RSV immunisation program welcomed by Telethon Kids Institute

Telethon Kids Institute has welcomed the Cook Government’s announcement today which outlined a national-first $11 million RSV immunisation program set to tackle respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a virus responsible for an influx of infant hospitalisations during winter.  

A long-acting monoclonal antibody treatment Nirsevimab – approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) in December last year – has shown to be 80 per cent effective at preventing RSV-related hospitalisations.

Starting next month, Nirsevimab will be offered free to all WA babies under eight-months as well as selected older children with an increased risk of severe RSV. 

The announcement puts Western Australia on the map as the leading state for RSV prevention. 

Telethon Kids Institute has been at the forefront of RSV research, in collaboration with Perth Children's Hospital, with researchers testing the antibody treatment via clinical trials and generating epidemiology data, ready for immunisation programs once Nirsevimab was approved by the TGA. 

The Vaccines Trials Group (VTG) was involved in two pivotal clinical trials testing the effectiveness of Nirsevimab in pre-term and full-term babies, leading to licensure and roll-out in Europe and North America, with significant impact already observed.  

Extensive epidemiology research from the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology team, in collaboration with Perth Children’s Hospital and PathWest Laboratory, have generated data revealing which children are at greatest risk of RSV and the most vulnerable periods for infection, ready to inform immunisation programs. 

Professor Chris Blyth, Centre Head of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at Telethon Kids Institute and Paediatrician at Perth Children’s Hospital, said the welcome news represented a giant leap forward to help prevent a virus that causes havoc for children and families during the peak RSV season – typically May to September.

“The Cook Government’s announcement today about investment into a soon-to-be implemented RSV immunisation program is such welcome news,” Professor Blyth said.

“Nirsevimab has shown in clinical trials to be highly effective so we are looking forward to the impact this new drug will have on reducing RSV cases and hospital admissions.

“I think as a state we can look forward to healthier babies over winter and significant health care savings with decreased public health pressure.”

With Nirsevimab soon due for roll-out, the VTG have also been involved in other global clinical trials, showing the effectiveness of a maternal RSV vaccine, given to pregnant women at 24 to 36 weeks pregnancy to prevent RSV infection in babies.  

Telethon Kids Institute was the leading Australian site for the phase three trials which were undertaken in 18 different countries.

With further research being undertaken in the infection prevention space, it is hoped that a number of drugs and vaccines will be available in the future to tackle RSV, for all age groups. 

Further information about The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases’ research is available here.