Annenberg Public Policy Center’s latest survey shows a growing belief among Americans in the effectiveness of RSV vaccines for babies and seniors, indicating a possible plateau in vaccine hesitancy.
One year after being introduced, vaccines aimed at protecting infants and older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have gained wider acceptance among Americans. This promising trend is highlighted in a recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania.
The survey, conducted last month, reveals a significant uptick in public confidence regarding the effectiveness of the RSV vaccine administered to pregnant individuals, with 52% of U.S. adults now viewing it as effective. This figure marks a notable increase from 42% in October 2023, following its endorsement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Similarly, 61% of respondents believe the RSV vaccine is effective for adults aged 60 and older, up from 54% in the previous year.
This rise in confidence occurs despite the absence of a “tripledemic” — a concerning surge of flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases that overwhelmed health care systems during the 2022-23 winter.
As of Dec. 20, 2024, the CDC has reported moderate levels of acute respiratory illness nationwide, with flu activity on the rise, COVID-19 levels increasing in some regions, and high RSV activity, particularly among young children.
The survey’s findings are especially pertinent given the backdrop of contentious public discourse around vaccines.
However, the APPC’s comprehensive study, derived from a nationally representative panel of 1,771 adults between Nov. 14 and Nov. 24, 2024 shows that the increase in vaccine acceptance is not limited to RSV alone. For instance, 86% of respondents now believe the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, rebounding from 81% in October 2023.
Moreover, despite ongoing political resistance, a sizable majority — 90% — agree on the importance of pediatric vaccinations.
Comparatively, the flu vaccine continues to enjoy high levels of trust, with 83% of respondents affirming its safety. Understanding of its role in mitigating severe illness has improved, with 54% recognizing its capacity to lessen flu severity if the virus is contracted, up from 48% last year.
However, the COVID-19 booster shot faces a more complex landscape. Only 38% of adults have received or plan to receive the latest booster, lagging behind the 51% who are committed to getting the flu shot.
Amid such data, the survey underscores a plateauing of vaccine hesitancy, a trend mirrored across various vaccines. While trust in traditional vaccines remains steadfast, newer vaccines and changing public health recommendations invite greater scrutiny.
These findings from the APPC provide a snapshot of a delicate yet optimistic shift in public health sentiment. As ongoing efforts aim to educate and reassure the public, the perceived effectiveness and acceptance of vaccines, especially for emerging threats like RSV, represent a crucial pivot in the fight against preventable diseases.