Family Decision to Immunize Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Associations with Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination
<b>Background:</b> Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reduces medically attended RSV infections. It was introduced in the 2023-24 RSV season. This study examined the association between caregiver vaccination (seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV), COVID-19, and boosters) and intent to immunize infants against RSV. <b>Methods:</b> Data from 118 caregivers with infants ≤ 8 months were analyzed. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression assessed the relationship between caregiver vaccination and intent to immunize against RSV. <b>Results:</b> In total, 74.6% of caregivers intended to immunize their infants against RSV. Intent was positively associated with caregiver receipt of a seasonal influenza vaccine (<i>p</i> < 0.001), COVID-19 vaccine (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and COVID-19 booster (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Intent was also associated with older child seasonal vaccination. Caregiver receipt of both COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters had a strong relationship with RSV immunization intent (OR 7.91 (1.90-33.0, <i>p</i> = 0.004)). <b>Conclusions:</b> Caregiver vaccination behaviors are linked to RSV immunization intent, helping physicians identify hesitant families and prepare for immunization conversations.
Authors
- Steven D. Hicks (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9579-6798)
- Benjamin N. Fogel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5388-1241)
- Katherine Shedlock (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0306-6828)
- Rita Gardner
- Leah D. Kaye
- Brody J. Lipsett
- Ian M. Paul
- Eric W. Schaefer
Institutions
- Department of Public Health (MM)
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Vaccines
- Published
- 2026-01-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14010085
- Primary Topic
- Respiratory viral infections research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00