The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody that protects infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease, for use in Australia.
The WA Department of Health (WA Health) has advised the WARSV Infant Immunisation Program will commence in April 2024, through to September 2024 at participating GP practices, WA Country Health Services (WACHS), metropolitan Child and Adolescent Community Health Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services that provide childhood immunisations. Under this program:
- WA infants born on or after 1 October 2023 to 30 April 2024 will be eligible to receive a single dose of nirsevimab to protect them during their first RSV season.
- Nirsevimab will also be offered at birth to all babies born in WA between 1 May and 30 September 2024, the highest period of RSV transmission in WA.
Children entering their second RSV season (aged 8 to 19 months) who have a medical condition that places them at-risk for severe RSV disease will be eligible to receive nirsevimab. Details on qualifying at-risk conditions will be communicated to providers prior to the program roll-out.
Advice from WA Health on ordering and distribution:
- State Government-funded nirsevimab immunisation doses are planned to be available to order by early April 2024.
- Weekly ordering will be available for the first six weeks to help providers manage clinics and storage.
- Immunisation providers are advised to review their storage capacity and determine if additional storage is required to accommodate nirsevimab in accordance with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’
Providers are advised to begin planning to recall young infants in April so they can be offered protection prior to the start of RSV season.
WA Health will keep immunisation providers updated regarding when and how to order nirsevimab once arrangements are finalised.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) will also provide further information as soon as it becomes available, including a link to the recording of yesterday’s WA Health RSV information session.
Contact Practice Assist on 1800 2 Assist (1800 2 277 78 or 6278 7900) or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au for support with finding the latest information and resources.