Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sued Pfizer and CEO Albert Bourla, alleging the company misrepresented the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine. The complaint claims Pfizer failed to disclose risks such as heart inflammation and promoted the shot as protecting others despite not testing its effect on transmission. Florida also accuses Pfizer of unfair market tactics, citing more than $80 billion in vaccine revenue and a 2023 price rise to $110–$130 per dose. The state seeks injunctions, fines and return of profits under its consumer protection law.
Florida Sues Pfizer And CEO, Alleging Misleading COVID-19 Vaccine Claims
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla looks on, on the day U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) announces a deal with Pfizer to sell drugs at lower prices, in the Oval office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 30, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
Oct 1 (Reuters) - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a state-court lawsuit on Thursday against Pfizer and its chief executive, Albert Bourla, alleging the company misled consumers about the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine.
Details Of The Complaint
The complaint says Pfizer represented its vaccine as safe while failing to disclose certain potential risks, including cases of heart inflammation and other adverse events. The suit also alleges Pfizer encouraged vaccination as a measure to "protect others" despite never testing whether the vaccine prevented virus transmission.
Florida further accuses Pfizer of employing unfair tactics to dominate the vaccine market. The state says Pfizer earned more than $80 billion from vaccine sales and nearly quadrupled the price per dose—from about $30 previously to a range of $110–$130 in 2023.
What Florida Is Seeking
Bringing the case under state consumer protection law, Florida is asking the court for an order to stop the alleged conduct, monetary penalties of $10,000 per violation (and $15,000 per violation when seniors or disabled people were harmed), and the return of profits the state alleges were improperly obtained.
Pfizer did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, and the Florida Attorney General's Office also did not immediately reply to a request for additional comment.
(Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
Help us improve.
