Knowledge about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is relatively low, while the willingness to accept immunization products is high

Recently, several RSV immunization products have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), including vaccines for adults aged 60 and older, pregnant individuals, and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) for infants. This marks the start of RSV immunization efforts in Western Europe. To effectively inform adults aged 60 and older and (prospective) parents about RSV immunization, it is essential to understand their perceptions and information needs concerning RSV and RSV immunization. In collaboration with the ReSViNET Foundation, Nivel assessed the knowledge and opinions of adults aged 60 and older and (prospective) parents in eight Western European countries regarding RSV and RSV immunization.

RSV poses a health risk to vulnerable groups, such as infants and older adults. However, awareness of RSV among adults aged 60 and older and (prospective) parents in Western Europe is relatively low. Three out of four adults aged 60 and older (73%) report having little to no knowledge about RSV. Among (prospective) parents, this percentage is lower but still significant: 38% report having little to no knowledge about the virus. Moreover, knowledge about RSV varies across the eight Western European countries, with particularly low awareness in France. Despite the limited knowledge, many adults aged 60 and older and (prospective) parents indicate openness to immunization if offered. The RSV vaccine will be added to the national immunization program in the Netherlands starting in the autumn of 2025, while it has already been included in other European countries this autumn.

Vast Majority Finds Immunization Availability Important

A vast majority of adults aged 60 and older (89%) and (prospective) parents (85%) consider it at least somewhat important for immunization products to be available. A smaller majority is also willing to receive immunization. After receiving information about RSV and RSV immunization, 62% of adults aged 60 and older indicate they would actually accept the immunization if offered. Among (prospective) parents, 75% are willing to accept mAb immunization (for infants), while 63% are willing to receive immunization during pregnancy if offered.

Raising Awareness of RSV Risks

Increasing knowledge about RSV and its risks for infants, adults aged 60 and older, and other vulnerable groups is crucial, along with providing reliable information about RSV. Additionally, there is a need to discuss immunization options with healthcare providers. Both measures can contribute to greater acceptance of RSV immunization.

About the Study

The study, supported by the ReSViNET Foundation, consisted of two components and was conducted in close collaboration with various stakeholders. First, two existing questionnaires from ReSViNET were reviewed by Nivel to improve their content validity and comprehensibility. This involved two rounds of cognitive interviews with (prospective) parents and adults aged 60 and older. Subsequently, the revised questionnaires were distributed across eight European countries: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The results of the questionnaires for (prospective) parents and those for adults aged 60 and older were analyzed separately.