Pfizer's Video Advertising During the COVID-19 Pandemic

An Analysis | Findaso

Pfizer's Video Advertising During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Cuma, 14 Nisan,2023

As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer played a crucial role in developing a vaccine that could help curb the spread of the virus. However, getting people to trust the vaccine and actually get vaccinated was not an easy task. This is where advertising came in, and Pfizer's video advertising during the pandemic was a noteworthy effort to educate and inspire people to get vaccinated.


Overview of Pfizer's Video Advertising

Pfizer's video ads during the pandemic were part of a broader marketing campaign called "Science Will Win". These ads featured a range of messages and themes, such as the role of science in developing the vaccine, the importance of hope and community, and the need to protect the most vulnerable populations. One ad, titled "Hope", showed people of all ages and backgrounds sharing their stories of how the pandemic had affected them, but also expressing hope for the future now that a vaccine was available.

The target audience of these ads varied, but they generally aimed to reach healthcare workers, older adults, and the general public. By using relatable stories and messages of hope and gratitude, Pfizer tried to connect with people on an emotional level and make the vaccine seem like a positive solution to a difficult problem.


Analysis of the Ads

Pfizer's video ads were effective in conveying the message about the vaccine in several ways. Firstly, the use of emotional appeals and storytelling helped to humanize the vaccine and make it more relatable to people's experiences. The "Hope" ad, for example, showed that getting vaccinated was not just about protecting oneself, but also about contributing to a collective effort to end the pandemic.

Additionally, the "Science Will Win" campaign emphasized the role of science and innovation in developing the vaccine, which was important for people who may have been skeptical of the speed of the vaccine's development. By showing the hard work and dedication of scientists, Pfizer tried to build trust and credibility in the vaccine and the company.

However, there were also ethical considerations to be made when advertising a vaccine during a pandemic. For example, some critics argued that the focus on a for-profit pharmaceutical company could overshadow the broader public health goals of vaccinating as many people as possible. Pfizer had to balance the need to market the vaccine with the need to promote public health and safety.


Impact of Pfizer's Video Advertising

The impact of Pfizer's video advertising during the pandemic was mixed. On the positive side, the ads likely helped to increase vaccine acceptance and uptake, especially among people who may have been hesitant or skeptical about the vaccine. By emphasizing the importance of community and working together to end the pandemic, Pfizer's ads may have contributed to a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.


However, there were also criticisms of the ads, such as the concern that they could perpetuate the idea that healthcare is a commodity that can be bought and sold. Additionally, some critics argued that the ads were part of a broader trend of "corporate social responsibility" that puts the onus on companies to solve social problems, rather than on governments and public institutions.


Overall, Pfizer's video advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic was a notable effort to educate and inspire people to get vaccinated. By using emotional appeals and relatable stories, Pfizer tried to make the vaccine seem like a positive and hopeful solution to a difficult problem. However, there were also ethical considerations to be made, and the impact of the ads was mixed. Regardless, Pfizer's contribution to vaccine development and advertising during the pandemic will be remembered as a crucial part of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.