Fatal Flu Kills 81 as Sanctions Make Vaccines Scarce

By The Middle East Eye

15 December 19

Meanwhile, conservatives are pushing for a parliamentary win in next elections, and Afghan refugees risk their lives to cross into Iran

fatal flu has claimed the lives of at least 81 people in Iran this year, made worse due to a shortage of the imported influenza vaccine, a direct consequence of US sanctions on the country. 

Earlier this month, 25 people died and a further 273 people were hospitalised due to a rare nationwide epidemic, IRNA news agency reported. 

Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raeisis said those that died were elderly or patients whose immune systems had already deteriorated by other illnesses. 

The Shahrvand daily reported that pharmacies in the country have run out of influenza vaccines due to a restriction on imports under US sanctions. 

This year, only 1.7 million vaccines were imported to the country of 83 million people.

The daily newspaper also reported that influenza shots have been in high demand in the black market, where the vaccines are sold at three times the price.

Pharmacists told Sharvand that authorities in Iran have meddled with the vaccine distribution process and have imposed rations on their pharmacies, which has also led to the shortage of medicines.