In the late summer of 2024, the United Kingdom introduced a universal maternal bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein vaccine (RSVpreF) for pregnant women, marking a significant public health initiative aimed at combating RSV-related infant mortality and morbidity. This vaccination program began in Scotland on August 12, 2024, and in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland on September 1, 2024. The vaccine is provided free of charge and is recommended for administration from 28 weeks of gestation. As part of an ongoing investigation into the program’s effectiveness, maternal views have been assessed, offering essential insights into public reception and potential areas for improvement.
Following the introduction of RSVpreF, a survey was conducted from September to December 2024 involving mothers of infants who were hospitalized due to acute lower respiratory tract infections in the BronchStop study. This initial assessment indicated significant barriers to vaccine uptake, notably with 35% of unvaccinated respondents expressing disagreement with the statement regarding ease of access to the RSV vaccine. By July 2025, it was reported that only 56% of pregnant women in England had received the RSVpreF vaccine, prompting researchers to explore the factors affecting this low uptake further.
To delve deeper, the same cohort was surveyed again from August 27, 2025, to December 15, 2025, during the second season of the BronchStop study. A total of 434 women from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland participated in this follow-up assessment. Among the mothers who remembered their vaccination status, 125 out of 196 reported receiving the RSVpreF vaccine, resulting in an increased coverage estimate of 64%. This figure is notably higher compared to a previous estimate of 41% from initial recruits into the study’s first season, suggesting incremental progress.
Responses from the second survey reveal varying attitudes among respondents regarding the RSVpreF vaccine. Notably, there was an increase in the percentage of mothers who expressed agreement with the safety of the vaccine, jumping from 56% in 2024 to 61% in 2025, with a p-value of 0.03 indicating statistical significance. However, perceptions about the necessity of the vaccine showed a decline: those who agreed or strongly agreed fell from 75% to 65%, while disagreement with its necessity increased from 7% to 10%.
Another noteworthy finding from the follow-ups was the improved assessment of the vaccine’s accessibility; reports of difficulties accessing the vaccine decreased from 30% to 17%. However, 27% of unvaccinated mothers still reported barriers, highlighting ongoing systemic challenges that might prevent eligible mothers from getting vaccinated.
Free-text feedback from unvaccinated mothers highlighted several core concerns. Many expressed fears about safety, with comments reflecting anxieties sparked by misinformation encountered on social media platforms. Some mothers noted, “I heard horror stories online... and got caught up with negative TikTok videos,” pointing to the pervasive influence of digital media on public perceptions of vaccine safety. Others indicated a lack of understanding regarding RSV and its potential impacts, stating, “I was offered the RSV vaccine but no one explained what it was or the impact of RSV on my baby.” Logistical hurdles, such as lengthy wait times and the challenge of managing infant care while seeking vaccination, further compounded these concerns.
Despite improvements in access and vaccine perceptions, about 17% of all survey respondents indicated continued difficulties in accessing the RSVpreF, implying underlying systemic barriers need addressing. Moreover, a stable minority still views the vaccine as either unsafe (8%) or unnecessary (10%), while a significant portion held neutral views regarding its safety (31%) or necessity (25%). Thus, these findings support the notion that further public health initiatives are crucial to promote RSVpreF, emphasizing safety and increasing awareness about RSV and its risks.
To mitigate RSV-related illnesses in infants, two primary strategies have been established: maternal vaccination and the administration of a long-acting monoclonal antibody to infants. In Spain, high uptake of a similar monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, has demonstrated the potential for substantially reduced RSV hospital admissions, showcasing collaboration in public health strategies. Open discussions about the successes and potential improvements of maternal vaccination programs could help replicate these outcomes in the UK.
This ongoing dialogue among healthcare professionals, public health officials, and the wider community is vital in developing effective communication strategies that enhance maternal vaccination rates against RSV, ensuring that mothers have access to accurate information and can effectively navigate any barriers they encounter.
The efforts and aspirations surrounding the RSV maternal vaccination initiative reflect a commitment to safeguarding maternal and infant health, yet ongoing evaluation and adaptation to public sentiment and barriers encountered will be key to its long-term success.
Personalise this feed
Your specialty. Your sources. Your digest.
All set up in under 2 minutes.
Personalise this feed
Your specialty. Your sources. Your digest.
All set up in under 2 minutes.