Immunization acceptance after broad recommendation for RSV prophylaxis: Results from a cross-sectional study in

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Martin Wetzke1, Mathias Lange2, Karoline Beinhauer3

  • 1Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Canter for Lung Research, Biomedical Research in End-stage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Hannover, Germany.

Vaccine
|September 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Parental acceptance of nirsevimab for newborns in Germany is moderate. Lower acceptance compared to other European countries highlights the need for improved RSV prophylaxis education, especially for hesitant parents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant health risk to infants.
  • Nirsevimab is a novel monoclonal antibody prophylaxis recommended for newborns in Germany to prevent RSV.
  • Understanding parental acceptance is crucial for effective implementation of new immunization strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess parental acceptance of nirsevimab for newborn immunization in Germany.
  • To identify factors influencing parental decisions regarding nirsevimab administration.
  • To compare nirsevimab acceptance rates in Germany with other European countries.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 519 parents at two German university hospitals during the 2024-2025 RSV season.
  • Questionnaires assessed parental attitudes, concerns, and information levels regarding nirsevimab.
  • Statistical analysis identified factors associated with nirsevimab acceptance and hesitancy.

Main Results:

  • Moderate parental acceptance of nirsevimab was observed, with 40.5% agreeing, 31.2% undecided, and 14.3% declining.
  • Higher parental education, greater RSV concern, and feeling well-informed were linked to increased acceptance.
  • Key reasons for hesitancy included insufficient information (32.9%), safety concerns (31.6%), and injection reluctance (22.4%).

Conclusions:

  • Nirsevimab acceptance among German parents is lower than in other European nations, indicating a need for targeted educational initiatives.
  • Addressing information gaps and safety concerns is vital to improve uptake of this important RSV prophylaxis.
  • Enhanced communication strategies focusing on safety and efficacy can help reduce infant RSV morbidity.

Keywords:
Health communicationImmunization acceptanceMonoclonal antibodyNewbornsNirsevimabProphylaxisRespiratory syncytial virusVaccine hesitancy

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