Spain introduced its VRS immunisation plans three seasons ago. Among families who have immunised their children against respiratory syncytial virus, 95 percent say they now feel greater peace of mind. Many parents know the virus’s name but do not understand what it can mean for a young child.
The finding comes from a Sanofi market study of 1,322 parents with children aged up to three years. Four in ten families associate VRS with childhood infections, while another 42 percent identify it specifically as a virus that affects babies or young children.
That puts VRS ahead of influenza, at 27 percent, and COVID-19, at 16 percent, when parents are asked which infections affect the youngest children.
In Spain’s regional prevention plans, nirsevimab is generally given as a single dose to babies born during the RSV season and to certain children in higher-risk groups, regional health authorities say.
The doctor is the strongest source of information. Social media and family advice come behind.
About 84 percent of respondents say a doctor first told them about VRS, with paediatricians playing the biggest role. Relatives and friends were mentioned by 31 percent of those surveyed. More than 20 percent cited nurses; search engines and social networks were also mentioned.
Knowledge has not caught up with the prevention plans. Twenty-seven percent of parents recognise the virus’s name but do not know what it can do. Another 18 percent say they have never heard of VRS.
Almost half of families so lack a detailed understanding of the infection or its possible link to bronchiolitis.
Andalusia reported that about 55,000 babies received RSV immunisation in the previous season, equivalent to 96 percent of newborns in the region. For the 2026 campaign, the region is also extending prevention from 1 October to residents of care homes and people with severe immunosuppression, Andalusian health authorities said.
Hospital treatment causes the greatest fear. Almost all respondents say that VRS or bronchiolitis in their baby would affect their own emotional wellbeing and their partner’s to some degree. Eight out of ten families specifically mention anxiety about a hospital admission.
The worry reaches beyond the child’s health. Nearly eight in ten parents believe an infection could hurt the family economy, and six in ten fear missing work to care for their baby.
The study says lost income and time away from employment lead that concern more than direct medical or care costs.
Information matters outside the consulting room, too. A separate health access report also found that the route to medical support can shape people’s decisions, although it covered different treatments.
Spain’s 2026 prevention campaign is continuing across the regions, with starts scheduled from late September into early October. Andalusia began its infant campaign on 21 September. Other autonomous communities set launches for 28 September and 1 October, alongside seasonal plans for influenza and COVID-19.
Nirsevimab remains the basic preventive tool against severe RSV in infants. Materials referring to the Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III say earlier evidence showed an approximately 80 percent reduction in hospitalisation risk among infants under one year old.
Protection is not complete. Spanish researchers have reported three paediatric RSV cases that evaded the effect of nirsevimab. Prevention lowers the risk but does not stop every infection.
Among families who did not protect their children through the immunisation plans, the basic reason given was a lack of information. Yet 84 percent of those families say they would have protected their baby if they had received more information before making the decision.
Parents need clear guidance before a baby becomes ill or a hospital stay becomes possible. The paediatrician is already the source families trust most.
Parents need information that can guide their decisions, as well as recognition of the name VRS. Sanofi’s survey found that 95 percent felt calmer after immunisation, while 84 percent of families who did not immunise said better information could have changed their choice.
