NZA survey of 1,028 New Zealanders found that 70% support publicly funding RSV vaccination for eligible infants and during pregnancy, while 9% opposed it. The survey, conducted by Horizon Research in early August, weighted responses to reflect the national demographic. Support was higher among older adults and those with higher education levels, while awareness of RSV was low, with only 39% having heard 'a great deal' or 'a fair amount' about the virus. Dr. Jutta Van den Boom, a neonatal pediatrician at Waikato Hospital, endorsed public funding for RSV vaccines, citing successful rollouts in countries like Australia and the potential to reduce hospitalizations. She noted that Nirsevimab, an antibody injection, could be administered annually to protect babies and emphasized the need for public funding through Pharmac. Pharmac’s chief medical officer confirmed one RSV-preventing medication has been funded since May 2022 for high-risk infants but provided no timeline for broader funding.
Bias read (Center): The article presents balanced reporting on public opinion and expert opinions regarding RSV vaccination funding. It includes data from a representative survey, quotes from both a pediatrician and a Pharmac official, and does not take a clear ideological stance. While the issue of public health and疫苗
