Iran Imports US-Produced Vaccines Amid Record Covid-19 Deaths

Strategic Insights -

Iran, grappling with the highest number of Covid-19 deaths since the pandemic began, has unexpectedly decided to import US-produced vaccines, including BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna, as a response to public fury over the vaccine shortage and slow imports. This move marks a reversal of the Islamic republic's previous stance, which prohibited the importation of vaccines from US and UK companies. The decision to import US-made vaccines comes as Iran struggles with a daily record of 655 deaths and a death toll of 98,483, with some experts estimating that over 100,000 people have died from the virus outside of official figures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Iran has reversed its stance on importing vaccines from US companies, allowing the importation of BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
  • The country has been struggling with a severe vaccine shortage, with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being imported mostly from Asian countries, while Pfizer shots are sold in the black market at exorbitant prices.
  • Pro-reform politicians have alleged that officials who wanted to promote domestically produced vaccines were responsible for slowing down imports due to the US sanctions.
  • Iran has fully inoculated only about 5 per cent of its population, with the highest death toll from coronavirus in the Middle East.
  • A prominent political analyst, Abbas Abdi, has concluded that over 100,000 people outside of official figures have died of the virus, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
  • The World Health Organization-backed Covax programme has delivered its 200 millionth dose and aims to deliver nearly 2 billion doses by the end of the year.

Statistics:

  • Iran has fully inoculated about 5 per cent of its population.
  • The country's death toll from coronavirus approaches 100,000, with 98,483 reported cases.
  • Over 100,000 people are estimated to have died from the virus outside of official figures.
  • The World Health Organization-backed Covax programme has delivered 200 million doses and aims to deliver nearly 2 billion doses by the end of the year.
  • Pfizer shots are being sold in Tehran's black market at prices of up to £1,000.

Sources:

  • "We have allowed imports of Pfizer and Moderna ... but its sources [of imports outside the US] should be credible," said Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, head of Iran's Food and Drug Administration.
  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in January he would not allow vaccines from US and UK companies to be imported.
  • Abbas Abdi, a prominent political analyst, has compared annual deaths over the past five years and concluded that more than 100,000 people outside of official figures have died of the virus.
  • The World Health Organization-backed Covax programme announced it had delivered its 200 millionth dose.