UNICEF Delivers Life-Saving PCV and Pentavalent Vaccines to Protect Iran’s Children
The recent delivery of vaccines by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a significant step in safeguarding the health of children across Iran. With the introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the Pentavalent vaccine, approximately 1.5 million children will be immunized against severe diseases. These efforts underscore the commitment to enhancing child health and reducing mortality rates in the country.
On July 30, 2025, Iran received a substantial shipment of 200,250 vials of the PCV vaccine, as part of a broader initiative to improve child health. This shipment followed an earlier delivery in April, which included both PCV and the Rotavirus vaccine. The announcement was made by UNICEF in a press release dated August 6.
These crucial efforts have been facilitated with the assistance of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI Alliance), an organization dedicated to improving vaccine access in low- and middle-income countries. On August 3, another major delivery of 465,000 doses of the Pentavalent vaccine arrived, bolstering the country’s immunization endeavors.
Importance of Vaccines for Child Health
The PCV vaccine was integrated into Iran’s national immunization schedule in 2024, aimed at protecting young children from severe illnesses such as:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Blood infections
These diseases are caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, and pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children under five globally. Therefore, administering this vaccine is a vital life-saving measure.
The Pentavalent vaccine provides comprehensive protection against five serious diseases in a single shot:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
This vaccine is typically administered to infants during their first year of life, as part of their regular vaccination schedule, ensuring that they are protected against these critical health threats.
Ensuring Vaccine Effectiveness
UNICEF is diligently working to ensure that all vaccines remain effective from the moment they arrive in Iran until they are administered to children. This includes maintaining robust cold chain systems, such as:
- Walk-in refrigerators
- Specially-equipped delivery trucks
These systems are crucial for keeping vaccines at the appropriate temperature. Additionally, UNICEF provides training for health workers and technical support to ensure that vaccines are handled safely and in compliance with international standards.
Looking ahead, another shipment of the Rotavirus vaccine is anticipated soon, further expanding immunization efforts for children throughout Iran. Each delivery represents a commitment to providing every child with a fair chance at a healthy start in life.
Recent Vaccination Initiatives
In March 2024, UNICEF supported the delivery of 564,000 doses of the PCV vaccine aimed at preventing pneumococcal-related infections and fatalities among children in Iran. This shipment was the inaugural delivery of PCV to the nation, funded by Iran’s remaining financial resources from the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. It was delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran, facilitated through UNICEF procurement services. The shipment arrived from India, landing at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport on March 17.
In May 2024, the health ministry began distributing domestically produced Pentavalent vaccines throughout the country. According to Mehdi Pir-salehi, head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approximately 800,000 units of the vaccine were developed, with expectations to reach 1.2 million units shortly thereafter.
The Pentavalent vaccine was incorporated into the national vaccination program in November 2014. Under this program, each child is required to receive the Pentavalent vaccine three times at intervals of two months, with the first dose typically administered at the end of the second month of life.
Combating Pneumococcal and Rotavirus Infections
The vaccination program targeting pneumococcal and rotavirus commenced in February 2024, after being absent from the immunization schedule for a decade. According to Alireza Raeisi, the deputy health minister, children can receive free pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccinations at all medical centers nationwide.
The pneumococcal vaccine is administered at the ages of:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 12 months
Meanwhile, the rotavirus vaccine is given in three doses at:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
This vaccine is administered orally, with drops placed in the child’s mouth.
Through these concerted efforts, UNICEF is making a profound impact on child health in Iran, ensuring that children have access to life-saving vaccines that protect against debilitating diseases.
