Pharma Pulse: Parental Vaccine Hesitancy Grows, Federal Vaccine Committee Expands, and Healthcare Workforce Faces Retention Crisis

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering parental vaccine hesitancy, changes to a key federal vaccine committee, and growing workforce pressures in healthcare.

• A new survey finds that 1 in 6 parents in the US are delaying or skipping routine vaccinations for their children. Researchers warn that this trend could undermine progress in preventing diseases like measles and whooping cough. Experts point to misinformation, lack of trust in institutions, and logistical barriers as key drivers, raising concern about potential outbreaks.
• In other news, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced new appointments to a federal vaccine advisory committee ahead of an important meeting. The expanded roster is expected to influence recommendations on immunization schedules and COVID-19 vaccine policy. The move comes as debates over vaccine safety and mandates remain highly polarized.
• Lastly, a new survey reveals that 55% of healthcare workers are considering leaving their current roles. Burnout, workload pressures, and dissatisfaction with pay remain the top factors. The findings highlight an ongoing retention crisis across the sector, with potential ripple effects on patient access, provider stability, and the broader healthcare system.

From shifting attitudes toward vaccines to federal policy debates and workforce challenges, these stories capture the complex pressures facing healthcare today.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

You can catch Pharma Pulse directly on Audioboom, Spotify, or iHeart.