Evaluation of pregnant women's knowledge about RSV and immunization attitudes before infant immunization with monoclonal antibodies in Turkey.

Abstract

RSV is a major health concern for infants. A new long-acting anti-RSV monoclonal antibody has been introduced in some countries. This study aims to assess pregnant women's awareness of RSV and their attitudes toward infant immunization with the anti-RSV monoclonal antibody. A survey on the RSV mAb was conducted with 217 pregnant women, consisting of 28 questions on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of RSV infection and the RSV mAb, and attitudes toward giving the mAb to their infant. Pregnant women were specifically surveyed about the use of nirsevimab. Among the participants, 18.5% reported that their child had previously experienced an RSV infection, with 47.6% requiring hospitalization. Willingness expressed by 50.7% to get the RSV mAb, 27.8% were undecided, and 21.6% would not get immunized. The main reason for refusal was lack of information (67.3%). Notably, 58.4% of undecided mothers would consider the RSV mAb if included in the routine immunization schedule. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that "having previously heard of the RSV mAb" and "receipt of other nonroutine vaccines" were independent factors influencing the consideration of the RSV mAb. A thorough literature review revealed no other studies assessing pregnant women's attitudes toward RSV mAb; it showed they would be more willing to accept it if included in Turkey's national vaccine programs. Further studies are needed globally to find if RSV vaccination rates increase if the benefits of infection protection and detailed information about the RSV vaccine are provided to mothers or families.