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. 2025 Feb 1;44(2S):S162-S166.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004566. Epub 2025 Feb 14.

Knowledge About Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Acceptance of Infant Monoclonal Antibody for RSV and RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy

Jennifer L Kuntz  1 , Tara M Babu  2 , Leora R Feldstein  3 , Janet A Englund  4   5 , Collrane J Frivold  2   6 , Holly C Groom  1 , Ning Smith  1 , Alexandra M Varga  1 , Sarah N Cox  2   6 , Stephen P Fortmann  1 , Richard A Mularski  1 , Mark A Schmidt  1 , Ana A Weil  2 , Cassandra L Boisvert  1 , Madison Hollcroft  2 , Tara L Hatchie  2 , Natalie Lo  2 , Melissa P MacMillan  2 , Sacha Reich  1 , Neil Yetz  1 , Helen Y Chu  2   6 , Allison L Naleway  1
Affiliations

Knowledge About Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Acceptance of Infant Monoclonal Antibody for RSV and RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy

Jennifer L Kuntz et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. .

Abstract

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States (US). RSV immunization, in the form of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for infants and vaccines for pregnant people, may reduce infant RSV risk.

Methods: In April and May 2023, we surveyed adults with children in Oregon and Washington about the likelihood to accept infant mAb and maternal RSV vaccine and RSV awareness. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of self-reported likelihood of accepting RSV immunization.

Results: Among 1082 respondents, 68% and 70% responded they would very likely accept infant mAb or maternal RSV vaccine, respectively. Respondents had lower odds of accepting infant mAb (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.07-0.15) and maternal RSV vaccine (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.12-0.23) if they were somewhat or very concerned about side effects. Respondents had higher odds of accepting infant mAb if they received an influenza vaccination (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.88-7.63). Respondents had higher odds of accepting maternal vaccine if they had an advanced degree (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06-2.73), had received an influenza vaccination (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.80-7.25), or were aware of RSV before our survey (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.03-4.01).

Conclusion: Most respondents reported that they would likely accept RSV mAb for their infant or an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Concerns about side effects lowered the odds of accepting immunization, however, nearly one-half of those concerned about side effects still expressed a high likelihood of accepting either immunization.

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Conflict of interest statement

H.Y.C. reports consulting with Ellume, Pfizer, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Glaxo Smith Kline, and Merck. H.Y.C. has also received research funding from Gates Ventures, Sanofi Pasteur, and support and reagents from Ellume and Cepheid outside of the submitted work. J.A.E. reports research support from Gates Ventures, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Pfizer, and consulting with Sanofi Pasteur, AstraZeneca, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Meissa Vaccines, outside of the submitted work. A.L.N. reports research funding from Pfizer and Vir Biotechnology, outside of the submitted work. J.L.K. reports research funding from Pfizer and Vir Biotechnology, outside of the submitted work. Other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

References

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