Parents Show Strong Support for RSV Vaccination for Newborns Despite Hesitancy Toward COVID-19 and Flu Shots

In late 2023, a new vaccine became available to protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), prompting an exceptionally high level of early interest from parents at Temple University Hospital. This enthusiasm contrasted sharply with the hesitancy many parents exhibited towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. A recent study published in BMC Pediatrics by researchers from Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine investigated the reasons behind this difference, revealing that trust in pediatricians played a crucial role in shaping parental decisions.

The study found that parental trust in healthcare providers was the primary factor influencing the decision to immunize their infants against RSV. Parents viewed RSV as a serious threat, and their immediate concern for their child's health drove a strong desire for protection through vaccination. Conversely, skepticism about the effectiveness of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, often fueled by personal connections to vaccinated individuals who still fell ill, contributed to their hesitancy towards these vaccines.

RSV remains a leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States, with tens of thousands of children hospitalized each year. The introduction of Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a single-injection antibody-based preventive treatment, expanded access to nearly all newborns, not just high-risk groups, marking a significant advancement in pediatric infectious disease prevention.

The study also highlighted how recent vaccine introductions for COVID-19 and RSV were perceived differently by parents. While social media and political views were expected to influence decisions, the researchers discovered that parental trust in their pediatricians was the decisive factor. Interviews with 25 parents demonstrated that confidence in healthcare providers often outweighed broader societal influences, emphasizing the importance of strong provider-patient relationships.

Moreover, the researchers found that many families misunderstood how immunizations function, equating success with complete protection—never catching the virus—rather than reduced severity or hospitalization risk. Education on what constitutes effective immunization could further improve vaccine uptake.

For healthcare professionals and public health initiatives, these findings underscore the vital role of building trust and clear communication with families. Establishing ongoing relationships can help overcome doubts about vaccines and promote healthier outcomes for children.

Looking ahead, the researchers aim to study families who decline immunizations to better understand vaccine hesitancy and acceptance. Despite challenges to trust in medicine, the study provides a hopeful outlook: parents still rely on their healthcare providers, and this trust can significantly influence immunization decisions.

Source: Medical Xpress