Most Pregnant and Expectant Moms Interested in RSV Immunization During Pregnancy to Protect Their Babies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infection among infants. Almost all children in the US will contract RSV within the first two years of life, and RSV has a high rate of hospitalization among infants. A new study in the May 2024 Pediatrics (published online April 25), “RSV Vaccination Intention Among People Who Are or Plan to Become Pregnant,” finds that most expectant moms are interested in getting vaccinated to protect their babies from RSV. Authors conducted a nationwide survey of people who are, or plan to become, pregnant, and found 54% expressed interest in RSV vaccination during pregnancy. At the time the survey was conducted this vaccine was not yet available. Recently, a long-acting monoclonal antibody for administration to young children was approved, as was a vaccine recommended for pregnant individuals to prevent RSV infections in babies and young children. The authors of the study found that how much parents knew about RSV infection in young children impacted their intentions to vaccinate. Of 1,528 people surveyed, 54% said that they were “very likely” to get vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy, but that rose to 63% if they reported perceiving RSV infection as serious and likely. If they reportedly felt RSV infection was not serious, only 35% planned to vaccinate. Researchers concluded education about RSV illness in infants and availability of RSV vaccines for pregnant women may be a key component of public health and health care outreach efforts to encourage RSV vaccination among pregnant individuals. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.