Health information sources show links to RSV vaccination among older adults in Japan

A nationwide survey conducted by researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan examined the relationship between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination and sources of medical information among adults aged 60 and above. The study found that only 4.2% of the 8,300 participants had been vaccinated against RSV.

The findings revealed that individuals who received the RSV vaccine were more likely to obtain information from interpersonal or institution-based sources, such as health care professionals and workplaces or schools. They were also more inclined to seek information from media-based sources like academic websites, LINE, and magazines.

The research showed a positive association between RSV vaccination and awareness of the fact that older adults are eligible for the vaccine. Additionally, those who had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and pneumococcal disease were more likely to have received RSV vaccination.

These associations do not prove a causal link, but they suggest that health care professionals' recommendations could be instrumental in promoting individualized RSV vaccination, particularly among those who have previously been vaccinated. Conversely, push-based information channels such as LINE may be effective for disseminating RSV-related knowledge to a broader population.

The study, led by Masaya Tsutsumi and colleagues, was published in the journal Respiratory Investigation in 2026. The results highlight the importance of identifying effective information channels to promote RSV vaccination, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.