RSV injection

It was announced that for the older folk the RSV injection would be free as of 15/5/2026

Has anyone on this forum had said injection recently and did they suffer from any side-effects

It was about $300.00 dollars when we made an inquiry with about $40.00 rebate from the health fund

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Specifically, 75 years or older.

Some further information: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccine

I haven’t had the RSV vax but I don’t think that any side-effects that are worthwhile to mention can be generalised across a large number of individuals. The above link contains highly generic information about side-effects but that could apply to just about any vaccine.

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I had had no side effects to RSA. I have been sick every time with seven covid jabs, sweats shakes temperatures over five days each time. I am immuno suppressed and have a blood disorder.

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I had the RSV vaccination in June last year. At that time it was still only available via GPs, and cost $300. My GP’s office ordered in a dose of the vaccine and the practice nurse administered it to me.

I had no side-effects that were any bother, or indeed any worse than from any of the other vaccinations I’ve had. Just a slightly sore arm for a couple of days.

As @person noted, though, vaccines can affect people differently. I know a number of people who had strong adverse reactions to the original Pfizer Covid vaccine, but neither I nor any member of my family had any significant side-effects from the same one.

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I’m only a youngster (68 :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:) and paid to have the RSV vaccine prior to the birth of a grandchild so I would be unlikely to infect him if I were to come into contact with the disease (it was quite prevalent in my area at that time.) I worked in a customer service role so was exposed to possible carriers of various health hazards on a daily basis. A 72 year old co-worker did contract RSV and spent a week in the ICU.

I had some swelling and redness along with tenderness at the injection site but really no worse than I get with flu and Covid boosters.

I have immune system problems and diabetes but, as others have noted, everyone is different. Without exception in my lifetime, whenever I or my children have received a vaccine, I have been notified by the medical professional administering the vaccine that there may be a reaction, the most likely symptoms of that reaction, and the known percentage of cases where a serious reaction has occurred.

If in doubt, talk to your GP about your concerns and individual risks.

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I’m in my late 50s, immunosuppressed by a biologic medication. I had my Shingles done last year, and I am giving RSV serious thought. My nephew caught it when he was about 6 years old and passed it on to my brother, who grew into Asthma as he entered his 40s. RSV ended up killing him. I’ve only ever reacted to vaccine once, my first ever flu vaccine. After that, no problems at all, besides the standard sore arm for a few days. I worked in the ACIR, received a lot of training and know the subject very well. I get asked questions all the time from friends. :slight_smile:

It is so nice and refreshing to read and participate in a discussion that doesn’t flood with misinformation from social media so-called ā€˜influencers’.

I see vaccination as a selfless measure. It not only helps to protect you, but also those around you who you love. Personally, I’d rather go to my grave knowing I was being selfless and not being selfish.

As others have indicated, always consult with your GP, before making a decision. He/she is the best source for up-to-date information and advice.

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I guess this is just one more vax I’ll be lining up for, this year. Going to get my flu and covid vaxes at the same time, RSV can wait a week, mid May seems like a good time for all of them. And I really need to see about Shingrix, I had Zostervax years ago but was advised to update with Shingrix soonish.

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4 years ago I caught RSV from a crowd of south Australians in August on the Ghan from Alice to Darwin. It was not pleasant. I’m 73 amd a friend on mine in his 80’s lost part of his lung from RSV. Last year I paid the ?$300 for the inoculation. No side effects and history of those innoculated is showing it protects for at least 7 years according to my doctor

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My husband paid to have the RSV vaccination last year. He had no side effects. He’s never had any side effects to any vaccine. I on the other hand tend to get side effects to vaccinations. Usually fairly mild and short lived. I had the shingles vaccine but still got shingles, fortunately it was a mild dose and I recognised the rash early enough to get onto antivirals. My third covid vaccine left me with bruises over the opposite arm to where I had the jab, so I haven’t had anymore.

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My husband paid for the RSV vaccine last year. He had RSV several times but had no immunity. When he got RSV he always ended up in intensive care. His respiratory physician and GP recommended the vaccine. He had no side effects.

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That’s a weird reaction. Which vaccine was it?

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Moderna. The first 2 were AstraZeneca. I was quite sick for about 18 hours with the first one. The second one I had a headache all day.

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Just the last 3 months I have had a COVID vax, a Flu vax and a booster shingles vax it only gave me a sore arm. No mention from my GP Clinic of a RSV vax yet, had no side effects from any vaccines so far.

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I agree that vaccination is a selfless measure, protecting not only ones self, but is herd immunity for others, particularly the vulnerable in regards to health issues. I have my Flu vax every year, and I continue having my Covid vax every six months. (I tend to think that because it is no longer mentioned, people don’t realise that Covid is still alive and kicking!!) I had my two booster Shingles vax last year, and have also had the Pneumonia vax, and other significant vaccines over the years. I fully intend to have the RSV vax as soon as it is available next month. Perhaps I am very fortunate as I have never had a reaction to any vaccine. I intend to always take up vaccines as and when necessary. I am 84 years young and I still do a little exercise after I have had a vaccine, and that is to swing my injected arm around in circles several times. As a child with Asthma from age 4 to 13, I was at a health boarding school in UK. The Headmaster ran the school, and his wife was the Matron. (as NUM’s were called in those days!!) We were required to have vaccinations of one sort or another at that time, and I always recall her saying to us, after being vaccinated ā€œCome on boys and girls, swing your arms around and get that vaccine circulating around your body.ā€ I have to say that I have done that throughout my life after being vaccinated, and to this very day I have never had a seriously sore arm. Ok….that can be rubbished, but it has worked for me. So there you are.

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Booked in for the injection , will post a blow by blow of any reactions

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The worst I seem to get from vaccinations is a slightly sore arm for a few days although I had none from the flu shot this year. I’m having the free RSV on Monday.

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I’m losing track of the available vaccines for >75 y/o. Can I get RSV?

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Not until tomorrow 15 May 2026, if one has 75 years of life experiences.
Also available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders from 60 years of age.

https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/free-rsv-vaccine-for-older-australians?language=en

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OK , 24 hours later , no side effects so I am presuming all is Good

Now 48 hours , still no noticeable effects

72 hours still all good

OK last update 96 hours and still the right side of the green stuff

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At 75 years, I started in February with a COVID 19 vax, then a Quadflu vas, then a Shingles booster vax, then 2 WEEKS ago I had the RSV vax, no side effect from it only a slightly sore arm. All for free at my local SUPER GP Clinic. The shingles vax, gave me a sore arm for 3 days, was bareable with no other side effects from all vaxes

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