RSV Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccination Intentions: Evidence From Germany, Canada, and the UK

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe illness in individuals over 75 years of age. After the European Medicines Agency and the Canadian health authorities approved two vaccines in 2024, the question now shifts to assessing public knowledge of RSV.Aims: To explore knowledge and misconceptions about RSV and identify socio-demographic determinants associated with higher vs. lower knowledge. Method: We collected data from three samples including individuals over 50 years of age (Germany: n = 565; UK: n = 556; Canada: n= 372). RSV awareness and knowledge about RSV using a pre-tested RSV knowledge scale as well as RSV-specific 5C vaccination antecedents (confidence, constraints, collective responsibility, complacency, calculation) and RSV vaccination intention were assessed. Results: Awareness was very different in the samples. In the German and UK data sets, around 50% stated that they had never heard of RSV, in the Canadian sample only 15% reported being completely unaware. Knowledge scores were lowest in the German cohort (M = .444, 95%-CI [.428;.460]), while the UK (MUK = .542, 95%-CI [.528;.556]) and Canadian cohorts were equally informed (MCA = .544, 95%-CI [.530;.557]). Intention and Knowledge were significantly correlated in all samples (GER: r(565)=.13[.05;.21]; UK: r(559) =.13[.05;.21]; CA: r (372) =.11[.01;.21]). 5C vaccination antecedents mediated the relation between knowledge and intentions in the German and UK based sample, but not in the Canadian sample. Limitations: Highly educated participants are over-represented in UK and Canadian samples. Conclusion: Educational interventions on RSV and respective vaccines are needed, as awareness, particularly about its infectiousness in children and vaccine availability, is low in the target group.