Rise in RSV Infections Is Associated With a Decrease in Vaccine Hesitancy

In an updated November 2024 health survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), investigators found that the public demonstrated greater acceptance of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with vaccine hesitancy decreasing since the previous health survey from October 2023.^1,2

RSV vaccine vial with syringe - Respiratory syncytial virus shot - Image credit: MargJohnsonVA | stock.adobe.com

RSV vaccinations are becoming more widely accepted following the 2023 FDA approval of 3 vaccines—RSVPreF3 (Arexvy; GSK), RSVpreF (Abrysvo; Pfizer,) and mRNA-1345 (mRESVIA; Moderna). In June of 2023, the CDC recommended that individuals 60 years and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccine using shared clinical decision making.³ However, in June 2024, a year after the initial recommendations, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued updated recommendations for a single dose of any FDA-approved RSV vaccine for adults 75 years and older and for adults 60 to 75 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV. The updated recommendations replaced the previous suggestions which emphasized shared clinical decision-making.⁴

The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge (ASAPH) survey included 1771 US individuals—most have been empaneled since April 2021, with the addition of 360 individuals in September 2024. The study authors noted that the margin of sampling error (MOE) is 3.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, and the survey was fielded from November 14 through November 24, 2024.¹

According to the 2024 survey results, 61% of individuals said RSV vaccination for adults 60 years and older is effective, increasing from 54% in the 2023 survey. The rise in perceived effectiveness for the RSV vaccine differs from COVID-19 and flu safety as the results remained unchanged from October 2023, with 83% saying the flu vaccine was safe and 65% saying the COVID-19 vaccine was safe. The public view on vaccine effectiveness also remained unchanged for MMR at 86%, shingles at 74%, pneumonia at 71%, and HPV at 65%.¹

However, over three-quarters of the public reported that they would recommend various vaccines if appropriate to members of their families and household.¹

“We are seeing increased awareness of RSV vaccines…if this translates into increased immunization rates, we could reduce their hospitalization rates,” Laura A. Gibson, the senior data analyst at APPC who analyzed the October 2023 RSV data, said in a news release.⁵

The rise of public acceptance for the RSV vaccine is timely as the CDC reported high levels of acute respiratory illness causing individuals to seek health assistance as of January 3, 2025, and is expected to increase nationally. According to the CDC, emergency department visits in the US for RSV is very high—indicating that infections are making individuals sick enough to require treatment. Additionally, hospitalizations are elevated among older adults in some areas. However, despite the decrease of RSV vaccine hesitancy, coverage remains low among US adults.⁶

REFERENCES

1. Greater Acceptance of RSV Vaccine Seen as Vaccine Hesitancy Appears to Have Plateaued. Annenberg Public Policy Center. News release. December 23, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/public-shows-greater-acceptance-of-rsv-vaccine-as-vaccine-hesitancy-appears-to-have-plateaued/

2. Ferruggia K. Public Concern of RSV Infection Has Decreased as Flu and COVID-19 Remain a Worry. Pharmacy Times. October 30, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/public-concern-of-rsv-infection-has-decreased-as-flu-and-covid-19-remain-a-worry

3. Ferruggia K. Researchers Highlight Need for Increased RSV Vaccination. Pharmacy Times. November 7, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/researchers-highlight-need-for-increased-rsv-vaccination

4. Ferruggia K. New ACIP Recommendations for RSV Vaccines Aim to Solve Challenges With Shared Clinical Decision-Making. Pharmacy Times. August 30, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2025.. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/new-acip-recommendations-for-rsv-vaccines-aim-to-solve-challenges-with-shared-clinical-decision-making

5. Havers FP, Whitaker M, Melgar M, et al. Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Hospitalizations in US Adults, October 2016 to September 2023. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(11):e2444756. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.44756

6. CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel. Updated January 3, 2025. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/index.html