Deputy of research and technology

Iran launched a COVID-19 vaccination for the general public, starting with older people. "Roughly eight million people are 65 years of age and older across the country who will be immunized in the second round,". Based on the extensive documentation of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, age is a significant risk factor for a severe case of COVID-19. Certain medical conditions can also increase risk for severe illness. People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, need to take precautions to protect themselves from getting COVID-19. Older adults are at greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.



As of 19 March 2021, Islamic Republic of Iran has recorded 1,786,26 coronavirus cases and more than 61,649 deaths. The drive will begin with a focus on the in institutionalized frail elderly.





Islamic Republic of Iran has received supplies from vaccine manufacturers via GAVI/WHO COVAX initiative. Iran"s Pasteur Institute is planning to produce a vaccine named Soberana 2 in collaboration with Cuba"s Finlay Institute. Iran is also testing its first coronavirus vaccine, called Coviran Barekat, which will be rolled out in early April. The country also launched the first phase in the human trial of its second COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute dubbed Razi COV-Pars. Moreover, phase one of a clinical trial for another Iranian COVID-19 vaccine, Fakhra - named after the martyred nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh - kicked off, with his son receiving the first dose.