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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of severe respiratory infections, particularly among  young children and older adults, often leading to hospitalization. However, we still know surprisingly little about the impact of RSV outside hospital settings—especially in everyday healthcare setting like general practice.

New preventive tools, such as RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, offer hope for protecting these vulnerable groups. But for policymakers to decide whether to include these tools in national immunization programs, accurate data on the burden of RSV—including in outpatient settings—is essential.
This thesis therefore explores the impact of RSV in the community, focusing on young children and older adults. Drawing on large-scale prospective European studies, it shows that in young children, RSV accounts for about one in three respiratory infections during winter in primary care. These infections result in frequent doctor visits, parental work absences, and significant healthcare costs. Importantly, the thesis also demonstrates that RSV is a notable cause of illness in older adults, associated with nearly 1 in 7 respiratory infections in primary care. Although often overlooked, RSV in this group can lead to prolonged symptoms, frequent medical consultations, and financial strain—comparable to influenza.

The thesis also examines how general practitioners (GPs) view RSV and their role in future RSV vaccination strategies. While GPs generally support infant immunization, they are more hesitant about its value for older adults. Increasing awareness and education among both professionals and the public will be essential to ensure vaccine uptake.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of RSV immunization will depend on public willingness to receive it. Sarah argues that rising vaccine hesitancy and online misinformation demand new communication strategies. In her thesis, she explores the use of Artificial Intelligence chatbots—like the RSV Chatbot, developed by Sarah and her colleagues—as a promising tool to deliver accessible, evidence-based information. With strong ethical guidance and scientific evaluation, such tools could play a vital role in future vaccine communication.