Statements After Receiving the First Dose of the Iranian COVID Vaccine

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I sincerely thank all those who have worked hard and utilized their knowledge, experience, and scientific and practical efforts to provide the country with this great and honorable opportunity, namely the COVID vaccine.

I once again thank Dr. Namaki, the esteemed Minister, and the entire medical and health team, as well as all those involved in this effort. I also thank Mr. Mokhber for his efforts and dedication; he has, like others involved in this matter, successfully accomplished his work and has shown that he is both compassionate and capable, as well as innovative in various sectors.

I sincerely thank Dr. Marandi and Dr. Sajadi for their constant care regarding my health condition, and I hope that, God willing, all of you will be successful and supported.

I was urged for some time—several months ago—to use the vaccine; initially, I was not inclined to use a non-Iranian vaccine and told my friends—both those who insisted and some other friends—that we would wait until, God willing, the domestic vaccine was produced and we could use our own vaccine; we should truly honor this national pride. It is very important that when we have the possibility of prevention or treatment within the country, why should we not utilize it? Now, there may be a time when, alongside the domestic vaccine, foreign vaccines are also used and needed; I have no objection to that. However, we must ultimately respect the Iranian vaccine and the efforts that have been made. The scientists that Mr. Mokhber has utilized are mostly young, hardworking, and active; they have worked hard to accomplish this task. We should also thank the other centers that are currently in various stages of vaccine production. Initially, I did not agree to take the vaccine, and later I said that I would prefer to wait until my turn comes according to the natural distribution of the vaccine in the country; well, thanks be to God, most of the elderly—those over eighty—have received the vaccine—though some may not have. We should also receive the vaccine in line with them; this is why there was a delay until today, and now, thanks be to God, you have worked hard, and they have also worked hard, and the vaccine has been administered. We hope everything will be well and that Dr. Marandi will regain his health as soon as possible, by the right of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

The statements of His Eminence after receiving the report from Mr. Mokhber, the head of the Executive Headquarters of Imam's Command:

One point was mentioned to me, which is that you should prepare both the scientific documents and the articles that need to be written about this vaccine, which you have fortunately provided so strongly, well, and promptly, so that the world can see them; this is important; you must definitely do this.

1) His Excellency Ayatollah Khamenei received the first dose of the COVIran Barakat vaccine this morning (Friday). This vaccine, which is the product of the efforts of young Iranian researchers and scientists, has recently received consumption approval based on indigenous knowledge, and Iran has become one of the six countries producing the COVID vaccine in the world. Before the Leader's statements, Dr. Saeed Namaki, Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, Mohammad Mokhber, head of the Executive Headquarters of Imam Khomeini's Command, and Dr. Seyyed Jamaluddin Sajadi presented their reports.