When Iran’s vaccination officially kicked off with a televised, glamorous ceremony in Tehran Feb. 9, promises were made about a phased and fair distribution starting with hospital first responders and followed by senior citizens. Under such a scheme, hospitals were allocated their very specific rations.
However, a report by Mizan News Agency run by Iran’s judiciary says in some cases connections have served the basis and allowed for many to receive vaccines meant for others at the moment. “Uncles who were vaccinated without standing in the queue,” the sarcastic headline said of those instances in which the jabs for individuals who fail to show up or refuse to get them are given to others who enjoy connections to hospital managers.