PSA welcomes free RSV vaccinations

20 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has commended the Federal Government on its decision to make the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Arexvy, available and free of charge for older Australians.

 

All Australians aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 60 and over, can access the vaccine free of charge from 15 May through their local pharmacy or other health provider.

 

RSV is a very common and highly contagious illness that starts with cold-like symptoms. Older people, especially those in contact with younger relatives who often contract and spread the virus, are particularly vulnerable to developing severe symptoms and other medical complications.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the decision by the Federal Government will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation, or death. 

 

“The vaccine provides strong protection against RSV, protection that we have not had a vaccine for until recently,” he said.  

 

“Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years.

 

“Until being added to the National Immunisation Program, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.”

 

The RSV vaccine can be provided by pharmacist immunisers at community pharmacies, local GP clinics, aged care and community centres and will be readily available in the coming weeks. 

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.