With the flu season fast approaching, flu shots have been distributed in pharmacies across the country, said the head of Food and Drug Administration.
“A sufficient amount of flu vaccine has been imported and the country will not face a shortage this year,” said Rasoul Dinarvand, ISNA reported.
Health officials have advised high-risk groups (those living in cold areas, children, and sick people) to get vaccinated against the flu ahead of the cold season in the fall, rather than seeking treatment with antibiotics.
“Self-prescribed use of antibiotics for common cold or even influenza weakens the body against the virus,” said the Head of Iran Pharmacists Association Dr. Seyyed Mahdi Sajjadi.
“Also, the flu vaccine is now available at a cheaper price compared with last year, down to 240,000 rials ($7) from 260,000 ($8),” the FDA official said.