P-609. Assessment of Parents’ Awareness and Attitudes towards Respiratory Syncytial Virus and its Prevention in the US

Abstract Background To assess the awareness and attitudes of parents towards respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the United States. Methods We developed an online, quantitative survey consisting of 34 questions, informed by a literature review, qualitative interviews, and cognitive tests. Between October 20th and November 25th, 2023, individuals who were expecting a child or had children aged ≤2 years were recruited through panels. Results In total, 153 individuals were recruited, of which 73% were female and 57% had completed some schooling beyond high school. On average, they were 33.9 years old (standard deviation:7.2) and 78% had at least one child aged ≤2 years in their household, while 48% were expecting a child. Most parents (88%) agreed that having their children immunized is a good way to protect them from diseases, and 84% agreed that they follow their healthcare provider’s recommendation for their children’s immunizations. However, 66% said they were concerned about serious side-effects of immunizations, and 54% question the value of some types of immunizations. Level of knowledge about RSV varied among parents, with 35% reporting that they knew a lot about it, 39% that they were somewhat knowledgeable and 20% that they knew what it is but not much else. Very few (5%) had only heard of RSV but knew nothing more, and just 1% had never heard of RSV at all. Among parents who were aware of RSV (n=151), 63% were moderately or extremely concerned about RSV in children, with 33% extremely concerned. 34% of parents with children had at least one child who had ever been diagnosed with RSV, of which 60% visited urgent care or an emergency department and 46% were hospitalized. About half of parents (46%) were aware of immunizations newly available for RSV. 90% strongly or moderately agreed that RSV prevention is important for children, and 78% would be eager to ask their physician about RSV immunization options. Conclusion Findings show that most parents in the US are concerned about RSV in children and almost all think that RSV prevention is important for children. While a majority follow their provider’s recommendation, they also expressed concerns related to immunizations. Disclosures Yoonyoung Choi, PhD, MS, RPh, Merck: Employee|Merck: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Bianca Chun, MPH, Merck Sharp & Dohme LCC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ.: Employee Tanaz Petigara, PhD, Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee|Merck & Co., Inc.: Stocks/Bonds (Public Company)