Iran turns to China and Russia for influenza vaccines

Mohammad Hashemi, spokesperson for the Iran Food and Drug Organization, has addressed delays in the supply of influenza vaccines. He noted that while preparations began months ago, global production delays and logistical issues have hindered the schedule.

Hashemi attributed part of the difficulty to international sanctions, which have made it harder to acquire necessary strains compared to previous years. He also stated that European companies, which were expected to cooperate, failed to fulfill their commitments.

To mitigate the shortage, Iran has activated alternative procurement plans, sourcing vaccines from reputable manufacturers in China and Russia. Approximately one million doses are expected to arrive for health authorities by late September, with vaccines becoming available in pharmacies for public access in October.