The following is a summary of “Parent Perspectives on Nirsevimab for Their Newborn,” published in the November 2024 issue of Pediatrics by Hinderstein et al.
In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody for preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related bronchiolitis in infants without underlying health conditions.
Researchers conducted a prospective study to explore the perspectives of parents of newborns regarding the use of nirsevimab for RSV prevention.
They interviewed parents of newborns admitted to the well-baby unit (November 2023 to February 2024) (n=28). Data were analyzed using the Health Belief Model (HBM) until thematic sufficiency was achieved.
The results showed that 38% of parents planned to give nirsevimab to the newborns, 25% did not plan to, and 38% were unsure. Several themes emerged and many parents had significant knowledge gaps regarding RSV prophylaxis, while trust in pediatricians and concern about the potential for RSV infection contributed to the decision to use nirsevimab. Parents who chose to defer RSV prophylaxis expressed concerns about possible side effects, desired more time to decide, felt that the maternal RSV vaccine was sufficient, or trusted their preventive measures. Additionally, misinformation about nirsevimab was prevalent, with some parents mistakenly believing it to be a new, insufficiently studied vaccine like the COVID-19 vaccine.
They concluded that increasing awareness of nirsevimab and RSV, addressing misinformation, and building trust through relationships with pediatricians and prenatal care providers may help improve the uptake of RSV prophylaxis.
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