RSV disease and vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices among US adults: a 2024-2025 RSV season survey.

Abstract

Objective: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines are approved in the United States (US) for adults at increased risk for severe RSV disease. However, RSV disease and vaccination knowledge gaps have been reported among US adults. This study provides an up-to-date assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding RSV disease and vaccination among US adults at increased risk for severe RSV disease.

Methods: Between December 2024 and January 2025, a web-based survey was conducted to assess RSV-related KAP. Adults aged 18-59 years were required to have ≥1 risk factor for severe RSV disease. Descriptive results were reported overall and by age (18-49, 50-59, 60-74, and ≥75 years); multivariable logistic regression modeling identified characteristics associated with RSV-related KAP.

Results: Overall (N = 1227), 75.3% of respondents had heard of RSV; of these, 34.8% reported feeling knowledgeable about RSV. Most (79.6%) considered RSV vaccination as beneficial for individuals of their age and health status, and 67.4% indicated being at least somewhat likely to receive RSV vaccination following healthcare professional (HCP) recommendation. Among adults aged ≥60 years, 49.0% reported having received an HCP recommendation for RSV vaccination, and 35.3% reported ever being vaccinated. The likelihood of having discussed RSV vaccination with and/or received a recommendation from an HCP varied significantly by age and knowledge of respiratory illnesses, among other characteristics.

Conclusions: RSV knowledge and practice gaps remain among US adults at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Findings can help inform patient and HCP education efforts to increase access to RSV vaccination.