Merck Shares Rise Despite CDC HPV Vaccine Guidance Shift
Merck & Co. (MRK) shares gained 0.9% to close at $107.44 on Monday, shrugging off investor concerns about the CDC's updated recommendation for a single-dose HPV vaccine regimen. The market's muted reaction suggests confidence that the change will not materially impact near-term revenue for Gardasil 9, the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S.
While the dosing adjustment could create downstream demand fluctuations, guaranteed coverage under federal healthcare programs provides a stable floor. Analysts remain focused on Merck's upcoming JPMorgan presentation and February earnings for clearer signals about the vaccine's commercial trajectory.
The late-trading 0.2% dip reflects lingering uncertainty as pharmaceutical investors weigh regulatory guidance against fundamental market positioning. Merck's dominant vaccine franchise appears resilient to policy tweaks—for now.
