AbbVie (ABBV) 7th Annual Healthcare Symposium summary

Key trends in vaccine confidence and hesitancy

• Vaccine hesitancy has doubled among parents in the past five years, but most still support routine childhood immunization.

• Trust in institutions has declined, but healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians, remain highly trusted sources.

• Social media can amplify both misinformation and trusted local voices, with pediatricians on platforms like TikTok playing a positive role.

• Broader societal and political divides, not just misinformation, now drive hesitancy.

• Fear, uncertainty, and the success of vaccines (making diseases less visible) contribute to lower perceived need.

Strategies for improving access and equity

• Pediatric vaccine access in the U.S. is strong due to commercial coverage and the Vaccines for Children Program, covering about half of American children.

• Barriers to access are more often related to information and healthcare logistics than cost.

• Globally, creative solutions like Gavi, COVAX, and pooled purchasing help balance innovation incentives with affordability.

• Regionalizing vaccine manufacturing and improving surveillance can enhance equity and rapid response.

Communication, value, and trust-building

• Value and access teams focus on demonstrating holistic vaccine value, including societal and economic benefits, to payers and policymakers.

• Trusted messengers, such as local pharmacists and community leaders, are key to effective communication.

• Empowering providers with education and tools enhances their ability to translate policy into practice.