Australians are being urged to check their protection against respiratory syncytial virus as RSV Awareness Week begins, with the Australian Medical Association warning the virus can cause serious illness, hospitalisation and death.

AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said RSV was often mistaken for a severe cold, but could have significant consequences for babies, older Australians and people at higher risk of severe illness.

“This week is an important reminder not to be complacent about a virus that can have serious consequences,” Dr McMullen said.

“Too many people still think RSV is just a bad cold, but for some Australians it can be far more serious than that.”

Since May 15, RSV vaccination has been available under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. Maternal RSV vaccination is also available for eligible pregnant women to help protect newborn babies.

Dr McMullen said uptake of the maternal vaccine had already delivered measurable results.

More than 225,000 mothers have received the vaccine since it became available in February last year, contributing to a fall in RSV cases among young children from 86,000 in 2024 to 78,000 in 2025.

The AMA is using RSV Awareness Week to encourage Australians to discuss their vaccination needs with a trusted GP, including protection against RSV, influenza and COVID-19.

RSV was the third most common cause of respiratory virus-related hospitalisations among older Australians last year. Nationally, 587 deaths involved RSV.

More at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.