Vaccines Improve Public Opinion Of Pharma, Despite Cost Worries With Chart: Public Holds Favorable Views of Big Pharma, But Still Wants Drug Pricing Reforms
In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has not been popular with the public: Problems like the rising cost of prescription drugs and the opioid epidemic combined to make the industry the least popular nationwide in a 2019 Gallup poll. According to a recent poll, the public now thinks better of the industry due to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines — but still wants drug prices to be reined in.
In a March 2021 national survey, progressive polling group Data for Progress found that 56% of respondents had a favorable view of pharmaceutical companies (see infographic, p. 6). Vaccine developers scored well on an individual basis: majorities had favorable views of Johnson & Johnson (68%), Moderna, Inc. (60%) and Pfizer Inc. (65%). Also, 75% of respondents said they approve of those specific companies’ vaccine development efforts. However, the poll also found that 73% of respondents disapprove of “how pharmaceutical companies are handling the rising cost of prescription drugs.”
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