Free RSV vaccine successfully protecting babies
Making essential vaccines free is proving to be effective at protecting vulnerable communities and reducing hospitalisations, AMA Queensland Immediate Past President Dr Maria Boulton told 7NEWS Queensland. "We've seen a dramatically reduced rate of kids being diagnosed with RSV and also babies being hospitalised with RSV, which is exactly what we were hoping for. And that is why AMA Queensland advocated so much for this introduction."
Transcript: AMA Queensland Immediate Past President, Dr Maria Boulton, 7NEWS Queensland, 4pm News with Katrina Blowers, Monday 16 September 2024
Subject: RSV vaccination
KATRINA BLOWERS: An uptake in free RSV vaccines is protecting Queensland children against the respiratory disease and keeping them out of hospitals. We'll go now to Dr Maria Boulton from the Australian Medical Association Queensland. Doctor, thank you for being here with us. What has been the impact of vaccinations on case rates across the state?
DR MARIA BOULTON: Good afternoon, Katrina. We're seeing a really good impact on the vaccinations that were introduced in April. We've seen a dramatically reduced rate of kids being diagnosed with RSV and also babies being hospitalised with RSV, which is exactly what we were hoping for. And that is why AMA Queensland advocated so much for this introduction.
KATRINA BLOWERS: I'm sure. Now, why do you think mums and dads are choosing to vaccinate their children? Do you think it could be because they are free?
DR MARIA BOULTON: Most parents will understand that most kids by the age of two will be exposed to RSV, and it can be quite a severe disease for some. It can affect their breathing, it can affect their feeding and it can be lethal in some babies, and newborns are particularly vulnerable. I think that most mums and dads just want to do the best for their children. Having those vaccines funded and be free just makes it more accessible.
KATRINA BLOWERS: Now, what does the data tell us about RSV in unvaccinated children?
DR MARIA BOULTON: We understand from recent data that most of the kids who are currently hospitalised with RSV haven't had the vaccine, and that is why it's really important that if you have a newborn or a child, particularly who has any complex chronic conditions such as prematurity, lung or heart conditions, that you speak with your GP, because we know this is happening across Queensland and we know that these vaccines do reduce the risk that your baby will have severe disease and end up in hospital.
KATRINA BLOWERS: We were talking earlier about the cost and it being free in some cases. So how do parents know if their child can receive that free vaccine?
DR MARIA BOULTON: Yes, you can Google Queensland Health RSV vaccines or you can speak with your GP, but particularly if you're going into hospital to deliver a baby, ask about the vaccine because it should be available at most hospitals. If you have delivered your baby since February this year, then have a chat to your GP about whether or not your child is eligible.
KATRINA BLOWERS: Dr Maria Boulton, thank you so much for your time today.
