Media release: AMA SA urges RSV vaccination before the peak
The Australian Medical Association in South Australia (AMA SA) is urging South Australians to talk to their GP about vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
SA Health data shows 166 RSV infections were reported in South Australia last week, up from 71 cases recorded during the first full week of May.
AMA SA President Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam says it’s important to act now, before the virus hits its peak.
‘Confirmed weekly RSV cases have more than doubled in less than a month and it’s likely that many more have gone unreported,’ A/Prof Subramaniam says.
‘Typically the RSV peak arrives in June or July, which means infections are likely to rise in the coming weeks, along with the risk of transmission.
‘Now is the time to act, not after the surge. Talk to your GP about getting vaccinated and reducing your risk this winter.’
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause illness ranging from mild colds to severe conditions like pneumonia. Last year, 587 deaths across Australia were linked to RSV, including 22 in South Australia. Babies, older people and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
‘RSV should not be underestimated,’ A/Prof Subramaniam says. ‘Too many people still think the virus is just a bad cold, but for an older person it can move quickly from a simple cough into pneumonia and a hospital bed.
‘The good news is there is a vaccine, and the evidence shows it is safe and highly effective.’
Pregnant women can access a free vaccine to protect their babies from birth, and eligible infants in South Australia can receive free antibody protection.
From this year, the RSV vaccine is also free for adults aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over.
‘This week is RSV Awareness Week and there’s no better time to talk to your GP about protecting yourself and your loved ones against RSV and other viruses like the flu and COVID-19,’ A/Prof Subramaniam says.
‘We understand that vaccine advice needs to be tailored to each individual patient – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your GP can explain what is recommended for you, including whether RSV vaccination should be part of your winter plan.’
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