Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) has welcomed today’s announcement that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine Arexvy will be made free through the National Immunisation Program for Australians aged 75 and over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over, from 15 May.
Corey Irlam, Acting CEO of COTA Australia, the leading advocacy organisation for older people, said removing the $300 price tag was a critical step in protecting older Australians from a virus too often dismissed as “just a cold”.
“RSV is not a minor illness for older people. It lands people in hospital and the ICU,” said Mr Irlam.
“A $300 out-of-pocket cost is a real barrier, particularly for older Australians on fixed incomes who are already juggling rising costs of living, energy bills and medical expenses. Making this vaccine free removes that barrier, and the federal government deserves credit for listening to the evidence and listening to older Australians”.
Today’s announcement makes RSV immunisation free for all people aged 75 and over, a welcome step for those at highest risk, but it is important to note that people aged 60 to 74 with certain medical conditions are still recommended to receive the vaccine and others in that age group may also choose to, so anyone unsure should speak with their GP or health professional about what is right for them.
Mr Irlam said the announcement was particularly important for the many thousands of Australians living in residential aged care, where shared living arrangements make outbreaks of respiratory illness especially dangerous.
“We’ve seen through COVID, through flu seasons and now with the RSV, how quickly a respiratory virus can spread through an aged care home,” Mr Irlam said.
“Every resident who is eligible should be offered up this vaccine, and every provider should be making it easy for them to access it, not something families have to chase up themselves”.
While welcoming the funding, Mr Irlam cautioned that listing a vaccine on the National Immunisation program was only half the job.
“A free vaccine on the shelf doesn’t protect anyone. We need a sustained public awareness campaign so that every Australian, every GP, and every pharmacist knows this is available from 15 May”.
Mr Irlam also emphasised that it was important to remember that the annual flu vaccine remains free for everyone aged 65 and over through the National Immunisation program at many local pharmacies and GP clinics.
“That’s one appointment, two vaccines and serious protection against two major respiratory threats facing older Australians this winter. Book it in”.
Media contact: Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890, [email protected]