Skip to main content

Tehran to begin vaccinations as Iran remains divided over Russian shot

Iran’s president is hopeful that his country’s vaccination drive will kick off in the coming weeks despite growing criticism from the Iranian medical community against the Russian vaccine.
A health worker displays a vial of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, in a vaccination centre for medical health workers, at the basketball court of Argentine club River Plate, bellow the grandstand of the Monumental stadium, in Buenos Aires on February 2, 2020. (Photo by Juan MABROMATA / AFP) (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran's coronavirus vaccination rollout could begin by Feb. 20. He said millions of doses will be available for the vaccination program, which will prioritize the front line medical community as well as high-risk individuals.

Rouhani did not specify the origin of the vaccine that will be distributed. The Iranian government recently approved the importation of of the Russian vaccine, Sputnik V. The decision was made public by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during his visit to Moscow last week. Later, Iran’s ambassador to the Russian Federation, Kazem Jalali, declared that the first batch will be on board a Tehran-bound plane by Feb. 4 and be followed by regular shipments every two weeks.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.