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Intention to Use RSVpreF Vaccine or Nirsevimab to Prevent Infant RSV Among Pregnant Individuals
Timothy Callaghan1, Lauren A Wise2, Annette K Regan3,4
1From the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
Many pregnant individuals are hesitant to use new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunizations like the RSVpreF vaccine and nirsevimab due to safety concerns. Increased awareness and education on the benefits of these RSV prevention methods are crucial for higher uptake.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a primary cause of infant hospitalizations in the U.S.
- Two new infant immunization products, RSVpreF vaccine and nirsevimab, are available for RSV prevention.
- Intended uptake and influencing factors for these new RSV preventatives are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intended uptake of the RSVpreF vaccine and nirsevimab among pregnant individuals.
- To identify correlates of intent and support for these RSV immunization products.
- To understand reasons for hesitancy regarding new RSV prevention methods.
Main Methods:
- A nationally representative survey of pregnant individuals was conducted.
- Participants' intentions to use RSVpreF vaccine or nirsevimab were primary outcomes.
- Logistic regression analyzed correlates of intent, controlling for sociodemographics and psychological factors.
Main Results:
- Approximately 45% intended to receive the RSVpreF vaccine, and 51% intended to use nirsevimab for their infant.
- 41% expressed no intention to use either product.
- Awareness and perceived safety, effectiveness, and importance positively correlated with intended use; hesitancy stemmed from concerns about side effects, infant impact, and novelty.
Conclusions:
- Health communication strategies are needed to boost awareness of RSV immunizations.
- Emphasizing the safety, effectiveness, and importance of RSVpreF vaccine and nirsevimab can increase intended uptake.
- Addressing concerns about newness and potential side effects is vital for broader acceptance.
Background:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. While 2 new immunization products have been developed to prevent RSV in infants-RSVpreF vaccine (a prefusion F protein-based vaccine for pregnant individuals) and nirsevimab (a monoclonal antibody for infants)-intended uptake of these products is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate intended uptake of each product and their correlates among pregnant individuals.
Methods:
We conducted a nationally representative survey of pregnant individuals weighted to the US population of births between September 20 and October 3, 2023. Primary outcomes included whether each participant intended to receive RSVpreF vaccine during pregnancy or immunize their infant with nirsevimab; beliefs about product safety, effectiveness and importance; and reasons for hesitancy. We used logistic regression to identify correlates of intent and product support, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, political orientation and psychological dispositions.
Results:
Nearly 45% of participants intended to receive RSVpreF vaccine during their pregnancy, and 51% of participants intended to give their infants nirsevimab; 41% did not intend to use either product. Intention to use RSVpreF vaccine or nirsevimab was higher among those who were previously aware of the products and who viewed each product as safe, effective and important. Common reasons for hesitancy included concerns about side effects, impacts on infants and the immunizations being too new.
Conclusions:
Health communication interventions that increase awareness about RSV immunizations and highlight their safety, effectiveness and importance are needed to increase intended uptake.
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