Vaccine administration error alert: Incorrect RSV prevention product
Inadvertent administration of adult RSV vaccines to infants
There have been a number of recent notifications of inadvertent administration of the adult RSV vaccine Abrysvo to infants in Victoria.
RSV vaccines, such as Abrsyvo and Arexvy, are not licensed for use in children. The safety and efficacy of these products in children has not been established. The only RSV prevention products recommended for eligible infants/young children are monoclonal antibody products, such as nirsevimab (Beyfortus). Current recommendations are for infants who have inadvertently received an RSV vaccine in error to be monitored for adverse events, and to receive a dose of nirsevimab.
Inadvertent administration of Arexvy in pregnancy
There have also been multiple notifications of inadvertent administration of Arexvy in pregnancy in Victoria.
Arexvy is not licensed for use in pregnancy, and there is limited data regarding its safety and efficacy in pregnancy. The only RSV vaccine recommended for use in pregnancy is Abrysvo, which is recommended between 28-36 weeks gestation. Current recommendations for women who have inadvertently received Arexvy in pregnancy do not recommend a follow up dose of Abrysvo within the same pregnancy. Nirsevimab may be considered for the infant.
Vaccine administration errors are preventable
Practices and immunisers should take appropriate steps to prevent errors, particularly in the context of a relatively new immunisation program. In the event of an error, the vaccinee or guardian should be informed via an open disclosure discussion. The error should also be reported to the jurisdiction’s vaccine safety service (SAEFVIC in Victoria).
All doses of RSV vaccines and nirsevimab should be reported to the Đăng ký Chủng ngừa Úc (AIR).
Further info
- Victorian Department of Health: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation
- MVEC: Virus hợp bào hô hấp (RSV)
- MVEC: Vaccine errors: prevention, management and open disclosure (eLearning course)
- Moro PL, Scheffey A, Gallego R, et al. Incorrect Administration of Adult RSV Vaccines to Young Children. Pediatrics. 2024 May 9;153(6):e2024066174. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-066174
- Moro PL, Gallego R, Scheffey A, et al. Administration of the GSK Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine to Pregnant Persons in Error. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 May 1;143(5):704-706
World Immunization Week 2025
This year's World Immunization Week runs from 24 April - 30 April 2025 and highlights the critical need to protect all communities against vaccine-preventable diseases and champion that Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible.
Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives. That’s 6 lives a minute, every day, for five decades. In these 50 years, vaccination accounts for 40% of the improvement in infant survival, and more children now live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history. Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.
Yet there are more lives to be saved by building on these achievements. Globally, 14.5 million children missed all vaccinations in 2023. In today’s interconnected world, an outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere.
What can you do?
- make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccines
- if going overseas, ensure you see your immunisation provider at least 6 weeks prior to see if there are additional vaccines recommended for you
- share trusted information on vaccines to stop the spread of misinformation.
AAP FactCheck debunks circulating vaccine misinformation
False claims suggesting that the World Health Organization (WHO) admitted to vắc xin mRNA causing mpox or breast cancer have been circulating online. AAP FactCheck have deemed both claims false.
There is no evidence to suggest a causal association between mRNA vaccines and mpox, or mRNA vaccines and breast cancer.
In Australia, adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are thoroughly investigated by jurisdictional and national health authorities through passive and active surveillance systems. This supports our safe vaccination programs and maintains community confidence in vaccines.
AAP FactCheck: False claim linking breast cancer to mRNA vaccines misrepresents WHO study's findings
AAP FactCheck: WHO has not 'admitted' mpox is COVID vaccine side effect
ABC Health Report (podcast): Why the US measles outbreak is so concerning
In a recent episode of the Health Report (19 April 2025), paediatric infectious diseases physician Dr Linny Phuong spoke about the ongoing outbreak of thai kỳ in the United States and the increasing number of cases emerging in Australia. Key discussion points include:
- disease transmission and the importance of herd immunity
- measles disease and complications
- vaccination (including the need for earlier doses for children travelling)
- maternal protection for newborns
- misinformation and barriers to vaccination.
You can listen to the podcast đây.
New podcast episode (feat. Prof Nigel Crawford): Whooping cough – What you need to know
Prof Nigel Crawford recently spoke with Dr Rebecca Overton about pertussis (whooping cough) in a new podcast episode from HealthEd.
Key features of the discussion included:
- why have there been an increase in pertussis cases
- typical presenting symptoms
- complications of pertussis
- scheduled vaccines (including maternal vaccination)
- how to address concerns about vaccination.
You can listen to the podcast đây.
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024
ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) has published their recommendations for the use seasonal influenza vaccines in Australia in 2024.
Influenza vaccines are recommended annually and are funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:
- children aged 6 months to less than 5 years
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- specific populations aged 5 to 64 years who are at greatest risk of developing complications from influenza infection (including phụ nữ có thai, Người bản địa, and those with certain medical risk factors).
For more information refer to: ATAGI: Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024
ATAGI: Statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024
MỘTTAGI haS released new advice relating to the administration of further COVID-19 .
The need and frequency of further doses beyond a primary course depends on the age of the recipient and their level of immunocompromise:
- All individuals aged 75 years and over- recommended to receive a dose every 6 months
- All individuals aged 65 to 74 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months
- Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64 years- recommended to receive a dose every 12 months, but can consider a dose every 6 months
- Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 18 to 64- can consider a dose every 12 months
- Individuals with severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- can consider a dose every 12 months
- Individuals without severe immunocompromise aged 5 to 17 years- not recommended to receive further doses
- Individuals less than 5 years- not recommended to receive further doses.
Omicron XBB1.5 vaccines are preferred for all primary and subsequent doses in all ages. There is currently no supply of the công ty Omicron XBB1.5 formulation for children aged 6 months- 4 years however it is anticipated to be available later in 2024. Until this time providers should continue using the age-appropriate Comirnaty original formulation for this group.
For more information refer to: ATAGI statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2024
Updated immunisation reference page: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Children under 1 year of age, individuals with underlying medical conditions (e.g. chronic cardiac and lung disease), the older population and immunocompromised people are more likely to experience serious disease requiring hospitalisation.
MVEC has recently updated its RSV reference page to include information on the administration of Arexvy, the only RSV vaccine available in Australia. This vaccine is registered for use in all adults aged 60 years and over and is specifically recommended for certain populations.
MVEC: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
New immunisation reference page: Open disclosure
Open disclosure is an accreditation requirement of all health services under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. Open disclosure should occur after any vaccine error, and includes a discussion with the affected person, or their families, carers or other support persons. Open disclosure can be challenging and complex. However, it can produce benefits such as improved transparency and communication between clinicians and patients; and opportunities for health services to improve care delivery systems and processes.
MVEC has recently published a new immunisation reference page on Open disclosure.
New home for COVID-19 information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria has now moved all COVID-19 information to a new home on the Better Health Channel. Check the website for consumer and clinician information on disease prevention, testing, treatment, long covid, and special risk group advice.
Better Health: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria