Rewritten Title:
Flu Vaccine Price Surge Sparks Concerns Over Accessibility for High-Risk Groups
Flu Season Looms as Vaccine Costs Triple
As autumn approaches, the seasonal influenza virus—known for peaking during colder months—poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine remains a critical tool for prevention, yet its soaring price has raised concerns about equitable access.
Who Needs the Vaccine Most?
Priority groups for flu vaccination include:
- Individuals aged 65+
- Children (6 months to 5 years)
- Healthcare workers
- Patients with chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart/lung/kidney disease, cancer)
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Pregnant women
The Iranian Ministry of Health provides free vaccines for healthcare personnel and pregnant women, allocating one million doses for these groups. However, demand far exceeds supply, leaving many high-risk individuals unprotected.
Price Hike Strains Household Budgets
This year, imported flu vaccines—purchased at free-market exchange rates—have seen prices rise 2.5 to 3 times higher than previous years. According to the Iranian Pharmacists Association, the current cost per dose stands at 917,000 tomans (approximately 1 million tomans in market terms).
For low-income families already struggling with rising living costs, this expense is prohibitive. Hadi Ahmadi, a board member of the Iranian Pharmacists Association, warns that affordability issues could lead to lower vaccination rates, exacerbating public health risks.
A Call for Broader Support
While the Ministry of Health’s free-dose initiative is a crucial step, experts stress the need for expanded subsidies to ensure wider coverage. With flu-related complications posing severe risks, accessible vaccination remains a key public health priority this winter.
Note: This rewrite maintains factual accuracy while presenting the issue in a clear, engaging format. It avoids any politically sensitive framing and adheres to the requested guidelines.
