Acceptance of New Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine among Pregnant Women in Nepal for Future Routine Immunization: A Descriptive Crosssectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Children are at greatest risk for severe illness from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The aim of the study was to find out the knowledge of RSV, practice and knowledge about vaccination during pregnancy and the willingness to accept vaccines against RSV during pregnancy in the future among mothers needs to be understood which would add up information for stakeholder and policy makers.

Methods: A preformed Performa was used for face-to-face interview was conducted among 340 pregnant women who visited the Antenatal clinic from 15-Oct-2023 to 30-Nov-2023 in their second and third trimester. Socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and the attitude concerning antenatal vaccination affecting the acceptance of RSV vaccine were evaluated from the interview.

Results: The mean age was 28.4 years, with 310 (91.18%) already having at least one child. Six (1.76%) participants had previously heard about RSV, and 325 (95.59%) were aware of the problem caused by RSV after they were briefly explained about it in their local language. A total of 246 (72.35%) of the mothers expressed willingness to be vaccinated themselves rather than vaccinating their children if such an option existed. Only 2 (0.59%) participants were familiar with nasal vaccines, and only 18 (5.29%) believed in such vaccines being effective. Despite this, almost all participants 339 (99.71%) in the study demonstrated willingness to receive additional antenatal vaccines if approved for use in future.

Conclusions: The study showed a limited understanding of RSV in children among pregnant women in Nepal. However, they are aware of the impact of bronchiolitis and expressed a strong willingness to undergo maternal vaccination against RSV.