Norway study shows demographic gaps in RSV vaccination among pregnant women

A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) reveals significant demographic disparities in the uptake of the RSV vaccine among pregnant women in Norway. While over half of women giving birth in Norway in September took the vaccine, coverage rates vary heavily based on country of birth and socioeconomic factors.

According to the data, women born in Norway had a 61 percent coverage rate in September. In contrast, coverage was notably lower for women born elsewhere: 45 percent for those from the Americas, 27 percent for those from non-Norwegian European countries, and only 6 percent for those from African countries.

Internal disparities were also observed, with vaccination rates across Norwegian counties ranging from 28 to 50 percent. In Oslo, coverage fluctuated between 14 and 71 percent across different districts, with lower rates linked to lower median income and education levels. The Norwegian government has proposed making the vaccine free starting July 1, 2027, to ensure all infants receive protection regardless of family finances or location.