A year after the launch of the RSV vaccination program, American acceptance of RSV vaccines for both newborns and older adults is on the rise, according to a recent health survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) in November 2024.
The latest data indicates that 52% of U.S. adults now view the RSV vaccine recommended for pregnant individuals as effective.
This represents a meaningful increase from 42% in October 2023, shortly after the CDC endorsed its use.
Similarly, confidence in the RSV vaccine designed for those aged 60 and older has grown, with effectiveness perceptions rising to 61%, compared to 54% a year ago.
Current Health Landscape
Despite the uptick in confidence regarding RSV vaccination, the much-anticipated “tripledemic”—a surge of respiratory illnesses that strained emergency services in the fall and winter of 2022-2023—has not yet occurred.
Currently, the CDC reports moderate levels of acute respiratory illnesses as flu season unfolds, alongside rising influenza cases across the country.
While a slight increase in Covid-19 cases has been observed in various regions, there has been a significant rise in RSV infections, particularly impacting young children.
This growing endorsement of the RSV vaccine comes amidst a backdrop of skepticism from several nominees for key health policy roles under the incoming Trump administration.
For instance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for the position of Health and Human Services Secretary, has consistently voiced concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Additionally, CDC chief nominee Dave Weldon has reiterated unfounded claims linking vaccines to autism.
The survey data, gathered from a representative sample of 1,771 U.S. adults between November 14 and 24, 2024, has a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.
Shifts in Vaccine Perceptions
The November survey highlights a promising trend as public attitudes toward vaccines show signs of improvement.
For instance, confidence in the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has climbed to 86%, a notable rise from 81% in October 2023, inching closer to the 88% safety perception recorded in August 2022.
Meanwhile, sentiment regarding the flu vaccine remains stable, with 83% of respondents maintaining that it is safe—consistent with findings from the previous October.
The perceived safety of the Covid-19 vaccine, however, has held steady at 65%.
Notably, many respondents expressed a willingness to recommend a variety of vaccines to their families when appropriate.
Despite persistent political debates challenging vaccine safety, a substantial majority—90% of participants—underscored the importance of childhood vaccinations.
Close to 75% emphasized that ensuring children receive their vaccines is either crucial or very important.
The survey also revealed that Americans believe the flu shot is more effective at reducing the severity of flu cases (75%) compared to the Covid-19 booster (55%).
Awareness is increasing that the flu vaccine is not foolproof against illness but does help lessen the impact.
In November, 54% recognized this fact, a jump from 48% the previous year.
Furthermore, respondents showed differing vaccination intentions: 51% had either received or planned to get the flu shot, contrasted with only 38% considering the latest Covid-19 booster.
Among all participants, 82% cited personal protection against illness as their primary motivation for vaccination.
Knowledge of Flu Dynamics
Most respondents (80%) acknowledged that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness varies from year to year.
While 69% deemed the current flu vaccine effective, skepticism lingered—20% felt it was ineffective this fall, an increase from 15% the previous year.
The CDC has warned that this season’s vaccine may provide less protection against hospitalization compared to last year’s.
Awareness of the flu’s ability to spread from asymptomatic individuals has also increased, with 80% of respondents recognizing this risk.
Two-thirds indicated the importance of being vaccinated after November.
Well-established vaccines, such as those for MMR, polio, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), generally receive high ratings for safety and efficacy.
In contrast, newer vaccines, including the Covid-19 vaccine, experience more mixed perceptions due to evolving public health guidance.
Public recommendations for various vaccines illustrate a strong inclination toward vaccination:
- A remarkable 90% would recommend the MMR vaccine for children aged 12-15 months or 4-6 years.
- The polio vaccine has an 88% recommendation rate for infants aged 2-6 months.
- Support for Tdap in those aged 11-12 years or adults stands at 85%.
- The shingles vaccine sees 82% of respondents in favor for individuals aged 50 and older, while 79% would advocate for the HPV vaccine for children aged 11 or 12.
In terms of perceived safety, confidence in the MMR vaccine has increased to 86%, while the flu vaccine remains steady at 83%, and feelings toward the Covid-19 vaccine have stabilized at 65%.
Overall, the public’s perception of vaccine effectiveness remains largely stable, with notable gains in confidence specifically regarding the RSV vaccines for both older adults and pregnant individuals.
Source: ScienceDaily