Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common and highly contagious virus that can affect the nose, throat and lungs. Nearly all Australian infants will catch RSV before age two, and while many cases are mild, the virus can cause severe illness - particularly in babies and young children.  

Now, a new free maternal vaccine has been added to the National Immunisation Program, offering free protection for newborns. 

In this episode of The Briefing, in partnership with the Australian Government, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with paediatric infectious disease physician Dr Linny Phong about the virus, the RSV maternal vaccine and how it could help safeguard Australian families. 

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