Title: A Vital Shield: Navigating Iran’s Influenza Vaccination Strategy for the Coming Season
Tehran – As the autumn and winter seasons approach, health authorities are emphasizing the critical importance of influenza vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations. The flu, a serious respiratory infection with a sudden onset, is distinctly more severe than the common cold and poses a significant annual public health challenge globally.
Understanding the Threat
The influenza virus causes acute respiratory infection, marked by a rapid onset where patients can often pinpoint the exact moment they fell ill, accompanied by intense body pain. While healthy individuals may recover within five to seven days, the disease can be far more dangerous for high-risk groups. These include children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as immune deficiencies, HIV, organ transplant recipients, and those undergoing chemotherapy.
A Proactive Health Imperative
In a recent feature, Hamshahri newspaper highlighted the flu as a serious and costly burden on the health system. To combat this, health experts are strongly advocating for vaccination. The flu vaccine is updated and re-administered annually due to the virus’s constant genetic changes. Its effectiveness lasts approximately six months, making the optimal window for vaccination late September to early October to ensure protection throughout the winter.
Guidance from Health Officials
During a detailed discussion, Dr. Hamid Emadi Koochak, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, outlined key recommendations. For individuals under 18, imported French and Dutch vaccines are advised. For older age groups, two trusted Iranian brands are available and recommended for use.
Mr. Qobad Moradi, Director of the Center for Communicable Disease Management at the Ministry of Health, and Mohammad Hashemi, Advisor and Head of Public Relations for the Food and Drug Administration, further clarified the national strategy. They confirmed that while the flu vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures, it is not part of the country’s routine national immunization program. Instead, it is procured and made available through pharmacies.
Supply and Accessibility
This year, a planned 3.5 million doses of the vaccine have been imported using free-market foreign exchange rates. Of these, one million doses are allocated for free distribution by the Deputy Ministry of Health to high-risk groups. The remaining over two million doses are destined for public sale in pharmacies, with a market price reflecting the import conditions.
The public is encouraged, especially those in high-risk categories, to seek vaccination as a primary defense against the seasonal flu, alongside maintaining good hygiene practices.