Perspectives of Spanish-Speaking Families on RSV Immunoprophylaxis for Healthy Newborns.

Abstract

During the first year of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis availability in 2023, quantitative studies found increased acceptance amongst parents who speak languages other than English, and qualitative studies of English-speaking parents identified hesitation about the novelty and side effects of the immunization. In this study, we sought to explore perspectives of Spanish-speaking parents on RSV immunoprophylaxis. Qualitative methodology was used to interview, using an interpreter, parents who speak Spanish (the most common non-English primary language of our patient population) of healthy term and late preterm newborns admitted to the maternity and well-newborn units between October 2024- February 2025. Semi-structed interviews were performed in a constant comparative matter until thematic sufficiency was reached. We conducted 21 interviews that included 25 participants; 81% of participants planned to give RSV immunoprophylaxis to their infant. Four major themes emerged: (1) most Spanish-speaking parents of healthy newborns reported a general lack of knowledge about RSV and RSV immunoprophylaxis, (2) many reported that they would trust the pediatricians on whatever was recommended to protect their newborns, (3) discussions around RSV immunoprophylaxis upon admission to the postpartum unit was not ideal, and (4) quality of interpretation services may have affected decision-making. Spanish-speaking parents frequently accepted the pediatricians' and nurses' recommendations for RSV immunoprophylaxis despite reporting a lack of knowledge on the subject. We identified potential inequities in the newborn immunization consenting process with families who speak Spanish which require further exploration.