RSV Knowledge in a German representative sample of people over 60 years of age

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes diseases which are dangerous for people over 60 years of age. Following the approval of two vaccines by the European Medicines Agency, the question now arises as to how much the target group knows about RSV.Method: We collected data from people over 60 years of age in a representative online sample from Germany. RSV-awareness was collected. A RSV knowledge scale was used, asking participants about RSV-disease related facts.Results: Only 54% of participants showed RSV-awareness, with higher educated participants being better informed. The knowledge items revealed well-known facts and misconceptions. Discussion: Educational interventions should be conducted when introducing the RSV vaccine, as awareness, particularly regarding the infectiousness of children and the availability of a vaccine, is low within the target group.