Work

Regional variation in maternal RSV vaccine access and attitudes across two California cohorts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective To compare maternal RSV vaccination rates, attitudes, and vaccine information sources between an urban academic hospital in San Francisco and a regional hospital serving a predominantly rural population in Fresno, California. Methods Individuals eligible for RSV vaccination during pregnancy were recruited on postpartum units between 11/2024–3/2025 using convenience sampling. Participants completed a survey assessing vaccination status, attitudes, and information sources. Results Of 149 approached patients, 94 completed the survey (63.09% response rate; San Francisco, 62/114 [54.39%]; Fresno, 32/35 [91.43%]). San Francisco participants were older (mean [SD], 36.11 [4.06] vs. 29.19 [5.60] years; p < 0.01), more often privately insured (87.10% vs. 6.25%; p < 0.01), and less likely Hispanic-identifying (6.45% vs. 75.00%; p < 0.01). RSV vaccine uptake was higher in San Francisco than in Fresno (77.42% vs 31.25%; p < 0.01). San Francisco participants more often reported receiving vaccine information from healthcare providers (93.55% vs 62.50%; p < 0.01). Among unvaccinated participants, lack of awareness (36.36%) and not being offered the vaccine (27.27%) predominated in Fresno, whereas safety concerns (42.86%) predominated in San Francisco. Conclusions Marked regional differences in maternal RSV vaccination highlight the need for system-level strategies to ensure equitable vaccine access and education, alongside continued vaccine safety research to build patient confidence.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103408