Funded Projects

Kids First, Facts Always: RSV Immunization

Project Year

2026

City & State

Little Rock, Arkansas

Program Name

Resident

Topic

Immunizations (LHI)

Program Description

Problem: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and severe respiratory illness among infants and young children in the United States. According to CDC, each year in the United States, an estimated 58,000–80,000 children younger than 5 years are hospitalized due to RSV, and 2-3 out of every 100 infants under 6 months are hospitalized with RSV every year. Despite the availability of effective preventive strategies, including maternal RSV vaccination and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis, uptake remains inconsistent particularly among populations facing socioeconomic and structural barriers to care.  According to U.S. jurisdictions' immunization information, 66.8% of infants less than 8 months did not receive Nirsevimab in Arkansas. Vaccine misinformation, limited access to reliable health information, uncertainty about eligibility and safety, and broader socioeconomic barriers continue to contribute to preventable RSV-related morbidity. These challenges disproportionately affect families in rural and underserved communities, where health literacy gaps and limited access to preventive services persist.  

Primary Setting: This project will be implemented at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), the state’s largest pediatric and tertiary referral center. ACH serves a diverse population of children across Arkansas, including a high proportion from rural and medically underserved communities. As the primary referral center for complex pediatric care, ACH manages a significant burden of RSV-related illness each season, making it an ideal setting for a targeted prevention and education initiative. In addition, UAMS Women’s Health will be incorporated.  

Number of Children Affected: In January 2025, percent positivity for RSV bronchiolitis was 34%, which is the highest amongst respiratory viral illnesses. While the exact number varies annually, the intervention is designed to reach a broad population of families at risk for RSV, particularly those facing barriers to preventive care and health education.  

Project Goal: The goal of the Kids First, Facts Always campaign is to improve caregiver knowledge, confidence, and acceptance of RSV prevention strategies. By addressing misinformation and improving understanding of immunization options, the project aims to reduce RSV-related morbidity and strengthen trust between families and healthcare providers. This project directly aligns with the CATCH mission by addressing a pressing child health issue through prevention, education, and community engagement.  

Proposed Intervention: This community-based, education-focused advocacy project will use qualitative methods, including caregiver interviews and community discussions, to identify beliefs, concerns, and informational gaps related to RSV prevention. Findings will guide the development of culturally responsive, family-centered educational materials tailored to the needs of the population served. Educational tools will be developed in collaboration with faculty and community stakeholders and pilot-tested in pediatric primary care settings to ensure feasibility and relevance. Residents will be trained to use these tools during clinical encounters, reinforcing consistent, evidence-based counseling while building advocacy and communication skills.  

Anticipated Outcomes: The project is expected to improve caregiver knowledge, confidence, and intent to utilize RSV preventive measures. It will promote consistent messaging across clinical settings, strengthen provider–family trust, and enhance the delivery of preventive care. By integrating educational materials into routine workflows and community outreach, the intervention is designed to be sustainable.

Project Goal

To improve caregiver understanding, confidence, and acceptance of RSV immunization through evidence-based education that counters vaccine misinformation and promotes informed, child-centered decision making while reducing RSV related morbidities

Project Objective 1

"Improve caregiver knowledge of RSV and its prevention, and reduce RSV related diseases. Specific & Relevant: To increase caregiver understanding of RSV disease severity, prevention strategies, and available immunization options among caregivers of infants receiving care at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Measurable & Time-Bound: By the end of the project period, caregivers who participate in the educational intervention will demonstrate improved knowledge as measured by pre- and post-intervention surveys. Impact & Evaluation: •    Achieve a ≥30% increase in overall caregiver knowledge scores from baseline to post-intervention. Increase the proportion of caregivers who correctly identify: o    RSV as a leading cause of infant hospitalization o    Available RSV prevention options (maternal vaccination and monoclonal antibody prophylaxis) o    Appropriate timing for RSV immunization"

Project Objective 2

"Reduce RSV-Related Misinformation and Improve Caregiver Confidence Specific & Relevant: To reduce misinformation and improve caregiver confidence in RSV prevention and immunization decision-making. Measurable & Time-Bound: By the conclusion of the project period, caregivers exposed to the intervention will report improved understanding and reduced misconceptions related to RSV prevention. Impact & Evaluation: •    Achieve a ≥25% reduction in commonly identified RSV misconceptions on post-intervention surveys. •    Achieve a ≥30% increase in caregiver-reported confidence in RSV vaccine safety and effectiveness. •    Demonstrate improved trust in healthcare-provided vaccine information as measured through post-intervention feedback surveys."

Project Objective 3

"Increase Acceptance of RSV Immunization Through Provider-Led Education Specific & Relevant: To improve caregiver acceptance of RSV immunization through standardized, culturally responsive education delivered by trained healthcare providers. Measurable & Time-Bound: By the end of the project period, participating clinics will implement structured RSV education during patient encounters. Impact & Evaluation: •    Increase in caregiver-reported intent to vaccinate following the educational intervention. •    High utilization of RSV educational materials during clinic visits, as tracked by provider reporting. •    At least 80% of participating providers will report increased confidence in discussing RSV prevention and immunization with families."

AAP District

District VII

Institutional Name

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Arkansas Children's Hospital

Contact 1

Chimaobi Ijioma, MBBS

Contact 2

Oluebube Okoye, MBBS, B.Pharm

Contact 3

Cynthia Anyakorah

Contact 4

Paige Jones-Brooks