I’m embarking on my annual pilgrimage to the local pharmacy this week for protection against flu and COVID-19. To me, receiving vaccinations is a no-brainer, and personal choice in healthcare is critical. At the same time, some of the decisions to skip vaccines — particularly for children — are being driven by misleading information from public figures, according to an opinion article from sociologist and researcher Jennifer Reich in The New York Times.

Reich isn’t looking to change minds in the current president’s administration or among the steadfast anti-vaccination movement. Instead, she hopes “doctors, researchers and healthcare organizations” can elucidate the risks and benefits to caregivers who are on the edge. Alongside those health leaders, what can vaccinemakers do to make immunization easier to access? What they do best: innovate.

Today, we’re exploring AstraZeneca’s recently launched at-home flu vaccine, and why it will be a test of whether people are ready to embrace a new approach.

We’re also tracking next year’s pharma and biotech conferences for a look at where industry leaders will converge in 2026.

Thanks for reading.