Pediatricians’ attitudes and knowledge of RSV immunization products: A multi-country cross-sectional survey
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Nirsevimab and the maternal vaccination in pregnancy are newly introduced prevention strategies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study evaluated pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to RSV immunization in Italy and Cyprus/Greece, where nirsevimab had not yet been implemented, and in Spain, where it was introduced in 2023/2024. METHODS: A survey was distributed to pediatricians across Spain, Italy, and Cyprus/Greece in July-August/2024. Occupational characteristics, and knowledge, attitudes and practices toward palivizumab, nirsevimab, and the maternal vaccine were collected. Of 578 respondents (response rate = 19.3%), 50% were from Spain, 40% from Italy, and 10% from Cyprus/Greece. As 90% of responses came from Spain and Italy, the main analysis focused on these two countries. Descriptive and univariate analyses (Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests) were conducted. RESULTS: Respondents included pediatricians from community (51.7%), tertiary (30.4%), and primary/secondary care (17.9%) settings. Pediatricians were generally aware of RSV risk factors, without differences across countries. However, 245 (55.9%) and 375 (86.0%) participants reported average-to-low knowledge of nirsevimab and the maternal vaccine, respectively, with differences across countries (p = 0.002). Despite limited knowledge, 311 (85.9%) pediatricians were willing to administer nirsevimab, and 319 (92.2%) supported its use for all infants. Nirsevimab administration's barriers, including unfamiliarity and logistical challenges, were cited by 69 (20.0%) pediatricians. Regarding immunization preferences, 165 (47.4%) pediatricians were very likely to support the maternal vaccine over nirsevimab. CONCLUSIONS: While pediatricians support RSV immunization, knowledge gaps and logistical barriers may hinder early-stage implementation. Optimizing education on RSV immunization will be crucial to improve uptake and prevention strategies.
Source: PLoS ONE
Authors: Costanza Di Chiara, Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud, Vera Rigamonti, Anna Cantarutti, Cristina Calvo, Irene Rivero Calle, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Carlo Giaquinto, Luigi Cantarutti, Daniele Donà, Andrea Lo Vecchio, Adamos Hadjipanayis, Zoi Dorothea Pana, Ioannis Kopsidas, Adria Rose, Alfredo Tagarro, Shaun K. Morris
Institutions: University of Padua, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, University of Milano-Bicocca, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Servicio Gallego de Salud, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, University of Naples Federico II, European University Cyprus, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, Universidad Europea de Madrid
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
OpenAlex ID: W7203645790