Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine will cost up to $130 per dose, but should be covered by insurance or other programs
USA TodayNov 30, 2022
Pfizer Eyes Price Hikes for COVID Shots
Image copyright: Reuters [via Australian Broadcasting Company]
The Facts
On Thursday, Pfizer executive Angela Lukin announced that the company would likely quadruple the price of its COVID vaccine to between $110 and $130 per dose after the US government's emergency purchase program ends.
Lukin predicted that the vaccine would still be available at no cost to those with private or government-paid insurance. The cost to those with no health insurance is unclear.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
COVID vaccines should be a public good for the entire world, yet they've been put shamelessly into the hands of Big Pharma. Now Pfizer will leverage insurance to fleece a 10,000X windfall from the American public while vaccine equity goes unaddressed in vulnerable populations. This is obscene robbery in broad daylight, and the US government must not allow Pfizer to hold the world for ransom in a global pandemic.
Pro-establishment narrative
Pfizer skyrocketed to pandemic superstar status with its COVID vaccine, which reduced severe illness and death for millions in the US and around the world. The market responds to natural supply and demand, and eventually, its COVID vaccine and anti-viral pill Paxlovid will see a demand drop and be institutionalized in the medical marketplace. Pfizer is now on to exciting innovations to treat cancer and inflammation, which will be a boon for global health.