Free RSV vaccine removes cost for older seniors

National Seniors Australia (NSA) welcomes news that older Australians can now access a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Health Minister, Mark Butler, announced that, from 15 May, people aged 75 and over and can receive free RSV vaccination through their preferred local health service, including GPs. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be eligible from the age of 60. 

NSA sees this as a major step forward in protecting seniors from a virus that can cause serious illness, hospitalisation and even death. 

RSV is often mistaken for a “bad cold”, but for older Australians – particularly those with underlying health conditions or living in aged care – it can be severe. 

Until now, the vaccine came with a price tag of around $300, putting it out of reach for many people on fixed or low incomes. Removing this cost barrier is exactly the kind of policy change that helps improve health outcomes later in life. 

It validates NSA’s ongoing Health Costs campaign and our research showing the impact of cost on health care access. 

The Royal Australian College of GPs president, Dr Michael Wright, said the decision was an important step in reducing preventable hospitalisations and improving health outcomes for older Australians. 

“RSV can cause serious illness in older people, leading to hospitalisation, complications and, in some cases, death,” Dr Wright said. He added that the decision “will save lives, reduce pressure on hospitals, and improve protection for those most at risk”. 

Pharmacy Guild of Australia vice president, Simon Blacker, said the RSV vaccine would be available at more than 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia. 

NSA advocacy 

NSA has consistently highlighted how out‑of‑pocket costs prevent older Australians from getting the health care they need. 

As found in our research on healthcare affordability, many older people delay or avoid care altogether because of cost – especially when services are not well subsidised. 

Our research asked older people if they were prohibited from accessing healthcare interventions due to cost. It found this differed for different types of health care. Unsurprisingly, health care interventions that are heavily subsidised through Medicare had lower barriers due to cost. 

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and GP visits, which receive strong government support, had lower proportions of people experiencing a cost barrier than services such as dental care, allied health, or specialist appointments, where government subsidies are lower. 

Making the RSV vaccine free through the NIP follows this same logic. By fully funding preventive care, governments can remove cost as a barrier and help people stay well, independent, and out of hospital. 

You can read more in NSA’s report on healthcare affordability here and you can join our health costs campaign here.