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Published on: January 26, 2019

Pediatricians' attitudes and knowledge of RSV immunization products: A multi-country cross-sectional survey

Costanza Di Chiara1,2,3, Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud2,4, Vera Rigamonti3,5

  • 1Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Plos One
|August 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatricians show support for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization but have limited knowledge of new strategies like nirsevimab and maternal vaccines. Addressing these knowledge gaps and logistical barriers is key for successful RSV prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant health risk to infants.
  • Nirsevimab and maternal vaccination are novel strategies for RSV prevention.
  • Understanding healthcare provider perspectives is crucial for implementing new immunization programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding RSV immunization strategies in Italy, Cyprus/Greece, and Spain.
  • To compare these perspectives between countries with and without nirsevimab implementation.
  • To inform the optimal rollout of new RSV prevention methods.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to 578 pediatricians across Spain, Italy, and Cyprus/Greece in July-August 2024.
  • Data collected included occupational characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards palivizumab, nirsevimab, and maternal RSV vaccines.
  • Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed, with a focus on Spain and Italy due to response distribution.

Main Results:

  • Pediatricians generally recognized RSV risk factors but demonstrated average-to-low knowledge of nirsevimab (55.9%) and maternal vaccines (86.0%).
  • Despite knowledge gaps, a high percentage of pediatricians expressed willingness (85.9%) and support (92.2%) for nirsevimab administration.
  • Key barriers identified included unfamiliarity with nirsevimab and logistical challenges, with 47.4% favoring the maternal vaccine over nirsevimab.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatricians are supportive of RSV immunization initiatives.
  • Gaps in knowledge regarding nirsevimab and maternal vaccines, alongside logistical hurdles, may impede the early implementation of these strategies.
  • Enhanced educational efforts are essential to boost the uptake of RSV immunizations and improve prevention outcomes.
Abstract

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