The federal government will place RSV vaccines on the national immunisation program, as 12,000 babies are hospitalised with the virus each winter.

Additionally, all children younger than two years whose mothers were not immunised during pregnancy will also be eligible for free vaccination in winter when RSV infections typically occur. The maternal RSV vaccine is currently only available in Australia to women in the late stages of pregnancy and costs up to 350 AUD ($230.3).

The respiratory virus is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants, with 12,000 babies admitted each year. Before next winter, protection for mums and bubs will be free.

Pregnant mums and newborns will receive free vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) under the federal government's new nationwide immunisation program. Health Minister Mark Butler said children under two years old would be eligible for the jab during winter,