Attitudes toward vaccines and antivirals for viral respiratory infections in a survey of US adults with chronic health conditions

Abstract

Background: Individuals with chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, or diabetes are highly susceptible to complications from viral respiratory infections (VRI). This survey aimed to gain insight into the attitudes toward vaccines and antivirals for VRI among adults in the US with these conditions.

Methods: This cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted from March 31-April 18, 2025. Individuals ≥18 years living in the US with a self-reported diagnosis of chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, or diabetes were eligible to participate.

Results: Of the 3024 survey participants, most (60%) participants felt their chronic health condition put them at increased risk of VRI or their complications. Approximately half (48%) of participants had ever taken a prescription antiviral to prevent getting sick and 60% reported that they would be likely or very likely to take a prescription antiviral if their healthcare provider offered it. The majority (68%) of participants received a yearly influenza vaccination and 64% received a COVID-19 vaccine/booster. Opinions about vaccines were overall favorable. Participants who frequently had serious complications (i.e., hospitalization) with VRI were more likely to have taken prescription antivirals than those with less frequent hospitalizations. Participants who felt that their chronic health condition put them at increased risk of VRI or their complications were more likely to have received recommended vaccinations.

Conclusions: Attitudes toward VRI prevention were overall favorable in this survey population. Improving patient understanding of VRI-related risk may increase acceptance of prophylactic interventions among individuals with chronic health conditions.

Keywords: Antiviral agents; Diabetes mellitus; Heart disease; Influenza; Perception; Respiratory tract diseases; Vaccine.