WA Faces a Record RSV Year Despite Strong Immunisation Uptake
Western Australia is approaching a historically high level of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity. Latest Department of Health data show 11,551 RSV cases reported by Monday, just 104 away from the record set in 2022. While not eclipsing that peak yet, the trajectory suggests a season that could end as the worst on record, even as immunisation programs continue to protect vulnerable groups.
Immunisation Behind a Lighter Hospital Burden
Health officials credit the growth in free RSV vaccines for infants and maternal vaccination with keeping hospital admissions lower than last year. Ushma Wadia, an infectious diseases clinician-researcher with The KIDS Institute, notes that while notification numbers are rising, a smaller share of children are requiring hospital care. “It is children under five years of age, particularly those under two, who are most impacted by RSV,” she says, “We’re seeing more RSV notifications, but fewer children are being hospitalised, likely reflecting the protection provided by maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab for infants.”
In WA, families can shield newborns through two avenues: an infant RSV immunisation and a vaccine for pregnant women. The infant program began in 2024, and maternal vaccination followed in 2023. By October 5, more than 23,200 infants and pregnant women had been immunised—about 263 more than at the same point last year—underlining robust uptake and public health commitment.
Wider RSV Impact: Who Is Most Affected?
RSV remains highly contagious and is especially hard on younger children. Dr. Wadia emphasises that children under five, and particularly those under two, bear the brunt of RSV illness. The PATROL study from The Kids Institute is actively investigating how the virus spreads within communities to reduce transmission and inform prevention strategies. The evolving evidence base could reshape recommendations for vaccination timing and who should be prioritized during outbreaks.
Beyond RSV: The Flu Season Adds Pressure
Concurrent to RSV activity, WA is grappling with a severe influenza season. Over the weekend, flu cases surpassed 30,000 for the first time since federal records began in 2001, with a cumulative total exceeding 30,231. Dr. Wadia notes that influenza has already peaked but could see upticks after school holidays, driven by increased contact and travel. She urges eligible individuals to receive the flu vaccine promptly, highlighting that vaccination remains a critical tool in easing hospital demand across respiratory diseases.
Hospital Trends and the Public Health Message
Across WA, hospital data show RSV-related admissions trending downward despite higher case counts, a pattern attributed to the protective effects of immunisation and maternal antibodies. In contrast, influenza admissions remain more variable, with ongoing hospital presentations. Five deaths have been attributed to RSV this year, including a patient in their 80s, underscoring that RSV can be severe in older adults as well as in young children with certain risk factors.
What This Means for WA Residents
Public health leaders continue to encourage vaccination, keep surveillance robust, and promote practical measures to reduce transmission—hand hygiene, staying home when ill, and following local health guidance during heightened RSV and flu activity. For families with newborns or expectant mothers, the combination of infant RSV vaccination and maternal vaccination offers a two-pronged protective strategy that is proving effective at reducing severe outcomes, even in a year of intense viral circulation.
Takeaway and Next Steps
The RSV season in WA appears poised to become the worst on record despite strong immunisation uptake. While hospitalisations for RSV are not rising as sharply as case counts, the data signal the ongoing need for vigilance, continued vaccine access, and community awareness. Health officials will monitor PATROL findings and update guidance to further shield the most vulnerable while flu activity remains high. If you have not yet received this year’s influenza vaccine or an RSV shot for your child, consider scheduling a visit with your healthcare provider to review vaccination options.
