Iran faces influenza vaccine shortage and distribution delays

Iran is facing a significant delay in the distribution of influenza vaccines, missing the optimal vaccination window typically occurring in late August and early October. Despite previous expectations that vaccines would enter the distribution network by mid-September, no doses have yet been made available.

Hadi Ahmadi, spokesperson for the Iranian Pharmacists Association, noted that while the country typically imports approximately 3 million doses annually, there is currently a lack of precise information regarding the total number of doses secured or their origins. He emphasized that the delay poses risks to high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic illnesses.

Reports indicate that the shortage is driven by a lack of domestic production and difficulties in securing imports. While a shipment of approximately 400,000 doses from China's Sinopharm is expected soon, distribution is not anticipated before October. Furthermore, cooperation from European suppliers, such as those from France and the Netherlands, has reportedly stalled due to various economic and logistical hurdles, including difficulties in international banking transfers and rising transportation costs.