Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier filed a lawsuit on Thursday in state court accusing pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its chief executive Albert Bourla of misleading Floridians about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID‑19 vaccine.
Allegations of deceptive marketing
The complaint asserts that Pfizer advertised the vaccine as safe while failing to disclose known risks, including heart inflammation and other adverse events. It further claims the company urged residents to receive the shot to protect others, even though Pfizer never tested whether the vaccine prevented the virus from spreading.
Unfair market practices
Uthmeier’s office also alleges that Pfizer employed unfair tactics to dominate the vaccine market. According to the suit, Pfizer earned more than $80 billion from vaccine sales and then raised the price of each dose to a range of $110‑$130 in 2023, up from $30 per dose when the product first launched.
Relief sought
The state is suing under Florida’s consumer‑protection law and is seeking a court order to halt the alleged conduct, civil penalties of $10,000 per violation (or $15,000 when seniors or disabled individuals were harmed), and the return of profits derived from the disputed practices.
Responses
Pfizer did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. The Florida Attorney General’s Office also did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.
Context for Floridians
The lawsuit arrives as Florida continues to navigate the public‑health fallout from the pandemic while emphasizing personal responsibility and parental rights. State officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of transparent information so families can make informed health decisions.
Legal experts note that consumer‑protection actions such as this one are a tool for state attorneys general to hold large corporations accountable when they believe consumers have been misled. The outcome of the case could have implications for how vaccine manufacturers market products nationwide.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
