Free online learning modules available: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Protection for Infants
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to severe respiratory illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia and is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants, with around 12,000 hospital admissions due to severe infection every year.
The risk of RSV infection is greatest for infants, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions.
In 2024, reported cases of RSV in Australia rose to 175,921, compared to 129,944 reported cases in 2023.
In 2025, there have been over 23,000 RSV notifications, 11,000 of have which been in children under 5 years old.
Free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) training modules for health care professionals
A growing range of health professionals play a crucial role in the early recognition and diagnosis of RSV.
The free RSV Protection for Infants modules developed by Benchmarque Group provide participants with the skills and knowledge to work directly with families, parents and patients to help increase understanding of RSV.
The free modules have been designed to meet the clinical needs of a range of health professionals, including:
general practitioners
midwives
hospital specialists
registered nurses, nurse practitioners and other clinicians working as approved vaccine providers.
The modules aim to give participants:
a baseline understanding of RSV information
an understanding of safe storage, preparation, and administration of Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), ensuring adherence to best practice.
Using scenarios and communication frameworks, participants will learn how to engage with parents and caregivers, and use evidence-based insights to deliver proactive, informed care that minimises the impact of RSV and supports families in making informed immunisation decisions.
Free RSV immunisation is available in Queensland
The Queensland Paedatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention (QPRSVP) Program expanded on 1 December 2024. This expanded program provides free RSV immunisation during pregnancy and to eligible infants and young children in Queensland. Eligibility for immunisation for infants under this program is not linked to Medicare eligibility.
More RSV immunisation information
More information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease, vaccines and recommendations can also be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Visit the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance for detailed information about RSV and immunisation: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FAQs | NCIRS.
Review referral pathways, clinical guidance and resources for immunisation on the Brisbane South HealthPathways portal.
Our General Practice Quality Improvement team can support your practice to identify eligible patients and establish goals for increasing your vaccination rates. Contact the Quality Improvement team via support@bsphn.org.au or phone (07) 3864 7540.