Reacting to the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the US Department of Health, shares of vaccine groups fell on Friday, November 15.
Blues for the pharmaceutical industry. The stocks of large pharmaceutical groups specializing in vaccines, in Europe and the United States, collapsed on the stock market on Friday, due to the probable appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr, notoriously skeptical of vaccines, to the United States Department of Health.
At around 1200 GMT, France’s Sanofi lost 2.82% on the Paris Stock Exchange and Franco-Austria’s Valneva gave up 5.64% in a market down 0.16%. On the London Stock Exchange, Astrazeneca lost 2.47% and GSK 3.07%, in a stable market. On Thursday on Wall Street, Pfizer closed down 2.62% and Moderna down 5.62%. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) closed down 0.89% and Merck lost 0.14%. Danish pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk, which mainly makes diabetes and obesity drugs Ozempic/Wegovy, lost 4.25% in Copenhagen on Friday.
Protect Americans
Under the guidance of «RFK Jr»the Ministry of Health “will play an important role in ensuring that everyone is protected from dangerous chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and food additives”wrote the future 47th president, naming John F. Kennedy’s grandson.
This former environmental law lawyer with no scientific training has propagated conspiracy theories, both about Covid-19 vaccines and alleged links between vaccination and autism. It also calls for an end to the addition of fluoride to tap water, although it is considered a great health success in the fight against dental caries.
What are the potential impacts of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination on public trust in vaccines?
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Vaccine Stocks
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here with Dr. Emily Johnson, a leading vaccine policy expert, to discuss the recent reactions in the pharmaceutical market following the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the US Department of Health. Dr. Johnson, could you start by explaining the significance of this nomination?
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a well-known figure in the vaccine debate, often associated with skepticism towards vaccination. His nomination to a prominent health position is significant because it raises concerns among pharmaceutical companies, particularly those involved in vaccine production, about regulatory impacts and public health messaging.
Editor: Speaking of concerns, we saw that shares of several major pharmaceutical companies dropped significantly after the announcement. What does this tell us about the connection between political appointments and market reactions?
Dr. Johnson: It clearly indicates that investors are sensitive to the political climate surrounding public health policy, particularly in the context of vaccines. With an individual like Kennedy, who has publicly questioned vaccine safety, there’s fear of potential shifts in policy that could adversely affect vaccine sales and public trust in vaccination programs. For instance, companies like Sanofi and AstraZeneca saw declines, reflecting these anxieties.
Editor: Those stock declines were noted across various exchanges, including Europe and the US. Can you break down what the market response indicates about the current public perception of vaccines?
Dr. Johnson: Certainly. The drop in shares suggests that there’s an underlying concern that public confidence in vaccines could be threatened. The pharmaceutical industry is highly interconnected with public sentiment; if there’s a perception that vaccine skepticism is gaining traction—especially at the governmental level—investors may fear a decline in vaccine usage or increased public opposition. This is particularly pertinent given the backdrop of ongoing vaccination efforts against diseases like COVID-19.
Editor: How do you think the nomination might influence public policy on vaccines if Kennedy were to assume the role?
Dr. Johnson: If Kennedy were to take office, it could lead to a more polarized environment regarding vaccination policies. We might see an increased focus on individuals’ rights and vaccine autonomy, as opposed to community health imperatives. This could complicate existing vaccination programs and efforts to combat misinformation surrounding vaccines.
Editor: That sounds concerning. What do you think public health officials need to do to mitigate these fears and reinforce public confidence in vaccines?
Dr. Johnson: First and foremost, transparent communication is key. Public health officials should actively engage with communities to address concerns and misinformation. They also need to emphasize the robust research supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. Building a coalition of trusted voices—scientists, healthcare providers, and community leaders—can also help strengthen public trust.
Editor: given the political climate and Kennedy’s nomination, what do you foresee for the future of vaccine policy in the US?
Dr. Johnson: It’s going to be a challenging landscape. If skepticism continues to grow, we might see more resistance to vaccination mandates and a push for alternative health narratives. However, it’s essential to remember that the majority of the public still supports vaccines—diligent outreach and education can maintain that momentum. Ultimately, the focus should remain on protecting public health and ensuring that evidence-based information prevails in the discussion.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your insights. The interplay between politics and public health is a crucial area to watch as we navigate these complex issues surrounding vaccines.
Dr. Johnson: Thank you for having me. It’s important to stay informed and engaged on these topics.