Gaps and Challenges in the National Immunisation Programme of Islamic Republic of Iran Publisher Pubmed



Fotouhi A ; Mahmoudi S ; Zahraei SM ; Fotouhi F ; Gouya MM
Source: Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de sante de la Mediterranee orientale = al-Majallah al-sihhiyah li-sharq al-mutawassit Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved high immunisation coverage for routine childhood vaccines; however, gaps remain in the scope and alignment with global immunisation priorities. Aim: To assess the status of childhood immunisation programme in Islamic Republic of Iran and identify gaps and challenges. Methods: We reviewed and analysed secondary data from published literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar until 3 September 2024, including official reports and WHO and UNICEF immunisation databases. We compared the results with those of selected Eastern Mediterranean Region countries and the global immunisation priorities. Results: Immunisation coverage in Islamic Republic of Iran exceeded 99% for several childhood vaccines, supported by established programme infrastructure and domestic vaccine production. Gaps were identified in the inclusion of vaccines such as human papillomavirus, varicella and hepatitis A. The national immunisation programme aligns with several WHO vaccination strategies but with limited coverage beyond the childhood years. Challenges affecting coverage included financial constraints, fragmented data systems and vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Despite remarkable achievements, systemic challenges remain in the national immunisation programme of Islamic Republic of Iran. Strengthening life-course immunisation through targeted investment, policy updates and stronger surveillance will help align the programme with the global immunisation goals. Copyright © Authors 2026; Licensee: World Health Organization. EMHJ is an open-access journal. This paper is available under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/igo).