New South Wales Sees Big Drop in Infant Deaths from Respiratory Virus
Topic: Infant Health
Friday, 17 July 2026, at 6:30 am
RSV infections can cause serious illness and death in babies.
In short:
A vaccination program in NSW has seen a big drop in RSV cases and hospitalizations.
RSV can cause serious illness and death in young babies.
What's next?
NSW Health says unvaccinated people should get a flu shot before the flu season peaks.
A vaccination program has nearly cut in half the number of hospitalizations for a deadly respiratory virus in newborn babies.
A study shows the RSV vaccination program has reduced cases and hospitalizations in infants under six months old.
The RSV vaccination program started in 2024 and was expanded in 2025 to include all pregnant women.
Kerryn Coleman is happy to see immunization rates growing for expectant mothers and babies.
Kerryn Coleman says the RSV vaccination program targets pregnant mothers and newborn babies.
The program has shown a big reduction in illness and hospitalizations for young babies.
The program has delivered one of the biggest benefits from a vaccination program for young babies in recent years.
The study shows a big drop in RSV cases and hospitalizations in infants under six months old.
RSV infection can cause serious illness, hospital admissions, and death in young babies.
Dr. Coleman is looking forward to seeing immunization rates grow for expectant mothers and babies.
The program has achieved over 60% coverage in mothers and a 40% reduction in RSV cases in young babies.
Dr. Coleman encourages mothers to talk to their doctors about getting the RSV vaccine.
Dr. Coleman says RSV vaccines should be encouraged.
Winter flu season is approaching.
NSW Health is urging unvaccinated people to get a flu shot.
Dr. Coleman says it's not too late to get a flu shot, especially for the elderly and vulnerable.
Every year, many people get very sick from the flu and need to go to the hospital.
NSW Health is concerned about people who are more vulnerable to serious outcomes from the flu.
Michael Bonning says there is a new surge in flu cases in Sydney.
Western and south-western Sydney are particularly affected by the flu.
Almost 40% of recent flu cases are in Western and south-western Sydney.
There is a new surge of flu cases in Sydney.
The flu poses a risk to these communities.
Dr. Bonning says people in these areas should get their flu shots to protect themselves.
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