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Published on: December 10, 2013
Factors influencing acceptance of RSV immunization for newborns among pregnant individuals: A mixed-methods study
Dominique Gagnon1, Charlotte Gubany2, Manale Ouakki1
1Direction des risques biologiques, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 945 Av. Wolfe, Québec (Québec), G1V 5B3, Canada.
Insights
Pregnant individuals show high interest in new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations for infants. Key factors for acceptance include vaccine safety, efficacy, and healthcare provider recommendations, crucial for preventing infant hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of infant respiratory illness and hospitalization in Canada.
- Health Canada has approved two new preventative measures: a maternal vaccine and an infant monoclonal antibody.
- Understanding pregnant individuals' perspectives on these novel RSV prevention methods is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of pregnant individuals regarding RSV and its prevention.
- To explore decision-making factors and preferences for maternal vaccination versus infant monoclonal antibodies.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for uptake of new RSV immunizing products.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study conducted in Quebec, Canada (October-December 2023).
- Online survey (n=803) assessing RSV knowledge, attitudes, and intentions towards immunization products.
- Qualitative interviews (n=25) exploring decision-making factors and preferences for RSV prevention.
Main Results:
- High intention for both RSV maternal vaccination (88.1%) and infant monoclonal antibodies (92%).
- Majority preferred maternal vaccination (69%) over infant antibodies.
- Key acceptance factors included infant protection, product safety, efficacy, and healthcare provider recommendations; safety concerns were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant individuals express strong interest in both maternal vaccination and infant monoclonal antibodies for RSV prevention.
- Healthcare provider recommendations and clear information on safety and efficacy are critical for successful implementation.
- Bridging the gap between intention and action requires addressing parental concerns and providing evidence-based guidance.
Background:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory infections and hospitalizations in Canadian infants. Recently, Health Canada approved two novel immunizing products: a vaccine given during pregnancy and a monoclonal antibody for infants. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding RSV and its prevention among pregnant individuals.
Methods:
A mixed-methods study was conducted in Quebec from October to December 2023. Pregnant individuals were recruited through targeted Facebook advertisements. Data were collected in two phases: Phase 1 involved an online survey to assess knowledge of RSV, attitudes toward immunization, and intentions regarding both immunization products, followed by qualitative interviews in Phase 2 to explore factors impacting decision-making and preferences for RSV prevention. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; interview data were analyzed through thematic analysis.
Results:
Among survey participants (n = 803), 68.4 % reported some knowledge of RSV. Intention for both immunization products was high, with 88.1 % of participants willing to receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy and 92 %, to administer monoclonal antibodies to their infants. A majority (69 %) of participants preferred vaccination during pregnancy over monoclonal antibodies. The desire to protect their infant from severe RSV complications was a key motivating factor of acceptance of new RSV immunizing products. Other key determinants included vaccine safety, efficacy, and recommendations by healthcare providers. Qualitative interviews (n = 25) highlighted safety concerns of expectant parents about these new products. The importance of clear and evidence-based recommendations by healthcare providers was also emphasized.
Conclusions:
Pregnant individuals demonstrated a high level of interest in RSV immunization for infants, whether with vaccination during pregnancy or with monoclonal antibodies. Recommendations by healthcare providers and availability of information on the safety and efficacy of these new products will be key to move from intention to action.
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