National Health Policy Forum

Background Paper

Date: JANUARY 25, 2006
Title:
The Vaccine Industry: Does It Need
a Shot in the Arm?
PDF Doc.
Authors: Eileen Salinsky & Cole Werble, Consultant
Summary: This paper broadly examines the scientific, regulatory, and economic factors that contribute to constrained vaccine production capacity, periodic vaccine shortages, and perceptions of inadequate investment in new vaccine product development. It describes the vaccine development and production processes and summarizes how regulatory requirements influence these activities. Market dynamics related to vaccine supply and demand are also explored, including an examination of the industry’s cost structure, potential market size, and purchaser price sensitivity. A broad range of policy interventions designed to address shortcomings of the vaccine market are considered.