Iran faces influenza vaccine delays due to global supply issues

The seasonal influenza vaccination campaign in Iran has faced delays, with vaccines currently unavailable in pharmacies and health centers. Although the optimal time for vaccination is September, the Iran Food and Drug Administration announced that purchased supplies are not expected to reach patients until October.

Experts suggest the shortage is part of a broader global issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) reportedly identified the necessary virus strains late this year, causing delays in clinical research and subsequent manufacturing by major international vaccine producers.

Bahman Sabour, a representative of the Tehran Medical Council, noted that multinational manufacturers prioritize the European and American markets before supplying other regions. Consequently, high-quality foreign brands are unlikely to be available in the Iranian market before October or November.