French pharmaceutical company Sanofi expects near-term weakness in vaccine sales in the United States, attributing the anticipated softness to growing scepticism around immunizations that the company says has been fueled by misinformation.

Sanofi’s Chief Executive Paul Hudson made the remarks at an industry event, noting that some parents and patients in the US may delay or decline vaccinations in the short term amid heightened scrutiny and changing public discourse around vaccine recommendations. The company has already reported a decline in its vaccine sales in recent quarters.

The shift in sentiment follows changes in US vaccine policy, including a reduction in the number of routine childhood immunizations recommended and revisions to long-standing guidance on vaccines such as those for influenza and other diseases.

Despite the near-term demand pressures, Sanofi said it expects vaccine demand to stabilize over time. The company also noted that the current environment could create opportunities for vaccine-focused mergers and acquisitions, as some potential buyers take a cautious approach under conditions of market uncertainty.

Sanofi is not alone in facing these headwinds; other major vaccine manufacturers have also reported softer uptake in the US market, particularly for routine shots like influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Some industry executives have expressed frustration, arguing that policy changes and misinformation lack a solid scientific basis.

Looking ahead, Sanofi’s leadership highlighted that next-generation combination vaccines, such as those targeting both influenza and COVID-19, could help drive renewed uptake among key groups like older adults by the late 2020s.