UNICEF brings life-saving vaccines to Iran, reaching 1.5 million children

UNICEF, in partnership with Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, has delivered two important shipments of vaccines to protect around 1.5 million children across the country. These shipments include the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the Pentavalent vaccine—both critical tools in keeping children safe from life-threatening diseases.

The latest batch of PCV vaccines—200,250 vials—arrived in Iran on July 30, 2025. This follows an earlier shipment in April that included PCV and the Rotavirus vaccine. These efforts were made possible with support from the GAVI Alliance, a global organization that helps improve access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. On August 3, another major shipment landed: 465,000 doses of the Pentavalent vaccine.

The PCV vaccine was added to Iran’s national immunization schedule in 2024. It protects young children from dangerous illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections—diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Pneumonia remains one of the top killers of children under five worldwide, so getting this vaccine to infants is a life-saving step.

The Pentavalent vaccine offers protection against five serious diseases in one shot: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Hib. It’s usually given to babies in their first year, as part of their regular vaccination schedule.

UNICEF is also working hard to make sure these vaccines stay effective from the moment they arrive in the country to when they’re given to each child. That means supporting cold chain systems—like walk-in refrigerators and specially-equipped delivery trucks—to keep vaccines at the right temperature. UNICEF also trains health workers and provides technical support to make sure vaccines are handled safely and according to international standards.

And there’s more to come: another shipment of the Rotavirus vaccine is expected soon, expanding protection even further for children across Iran.

With every delivery, UNICEF is helping make sure every child in Iran has a fair chance at a healthy start in life.