Canadians' familiarity with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease (PD) is lower compared to influenza and COVID-19, according to a recent poll. While awareness of influenza and COVID-19 is nearly universal among Canadians (98 per cent and 99 per cent, respectively), familiarity with RSV (71 per cent) and PD (66 per cent) is lower. This disparity highlights a potential gap in understanding lesser-known respiratory illnesses and their prevention options. The study, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Merck Canada, surveyed 1,000 Canadian adults between 25 and 75 years old. It found that nearly half (48 per cent) of Canadians reported receiving none of the surveyed respiratory vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, or PD in the last 12 months. This is concerning, given the rising hospitalizations for vaccine-preventable respiratory illnesses across Canada, as reported by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In 2024, nearly 60,000 people were hospitalized due to these illnesses, with influenza and RSV accounting for more than half of the cases, and COVID-19 contributing to more than 40 per cent. Despite the low vaccine rates, the study also revealed that 28 per cent of respondents experienced disruptions to their personal or professional plans due to respiratory illness in the past year. This led to missed gatherings with family and friends and the use of paid sick leave. However, 36 per cent of surveyed Canadians reported that they are likely to proactively discuss respiratory illness prevention with a healthcare professional in the coming months. This finding presents an opportunity to encourage more informed conversations about respiratory illness prevention, especially as the respiratory illness season approaches. The poll underscores the need for improved awareness and understanding of RSV and PD, as well as the importance of discussing prevention strategies with healthcare professionals. It also highlights the impact of respiratory illnesses on Canadians' daily lives and the potential for vaccine-preventable hospitalizations to rise further if awareness and prevention efforts are not strengthened.
