For mum Teigan Hutchison, getting the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine during pregnancy was a no-brainer.
“As mums we want to do everything we can to do what’s best for our children,” said Teigan.
“If I can avoid a hospital trip for my newborn then absolutely, I’ll do it, plus it means one less needle for her as this protects the baby from birth for up to 6 months.”
Since the program expanded in December 2024, Gold Coast Health has seen a significant drop in paediatric RSV admissions.
“Admissions dropped from 193 in 2023-24 financial year to 77 in 2024-25,” said Director of Paediatrics Professor Susan Moloney said.
“That’s more than 110 babies not admitted to hospital since maternal and infant vaccinations commenced, and more than 110 babies who didn’t need support with oxygen, nasogastric feeds and blood tests.”
RSV is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with almost all children experiencing at least one RSV infection within the first two years of life.
The program focuses on protecting infants from birth, including those at highest risk of severe disease in the first months of life.
More than 2000 women, newborns and young children have had the vaccine in the past six months.
“It provides an extra bit of reassurance for the mum,” Clinical Midwife Consultant Katherine Pattie said.
“Lots of women prefer to get the vaccine themselves when pregnant, rather than the baby having an extra vaccination at birth.”
“It takes some weight off my shoulders knowing I’ve had it, and my baby is protected,” Teigan added.
You can find out if you are eligible for the free vaccine here.
